Oct 12, 2020
Will COVID-19 lead to more Cardiac Arrest?
Many COVID-19 patients experience heart problems in the days and months after contracting the coronavirus. This may be due to the inflammation and oxygen deprivation that result from an infection, and research shows it might also be due to SARS-CoV-2 directly infecting the muscle cells in the heart.
One study found that 60% of recovered COVID-19 patients, most of whom had mild to moderate cases, had persistent myocardial inflammation two-months after their initial diagnosis. More studies and more time will be required to determine if this is a short-lived concern or a long-term challenge.
In the meantime, we recommend you wear a mask, wash your hands, enjoy the outdoors, and ensure you and your loved ones have access to an AED.