COVID-19 and Your Heart

If you have heart disease, or have survived a heart attack or stroke, you know it can be challenging – even during normal times.

COVID-19 has added another layer of worry, leaving many people with heart disease and other conditions on even higher alert than usual to stay healthy.

Experts are continuing to learn how COVID-19 affects the heart and blood vessels during the initial infection while someone is sick. But attention also has turned to understanding how COVID affects heart health over the long term (sometimes called long COVID).

Up to 3 out of 10 adults who have had COVID report new, returning, or persistent symptoms with long COVID. Also, research suggests that after COVID, you’re at higher risk for heart issues – for example, blood clots, inflammation, irregular heartbeats (also called  arrhythmias) heart attack, and heart failure. These issues can start even one year later.

While conditions regarding COVID are better, it’s still important to take steps to protect yourself and others, especially as new variants emerge or COVID-19 cases spike in your community. Be sure to stay up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. These vaccines are safe and effective. They work by teaching the immune system to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19.

Use this resource to find information about COVID-19 and tips to keep yourself and others healthy.