The corona virus not only attacks the lungs, but also many other organs. German heart doctors are now warning of the consequences for the vessels. How Long-Covid expresses itself there – and where those affected can find help.
Physicians have known for a long time that the corona virus is far more than just a disease of the lungs. So it is not surprising that other organs are also affected by the long-term effects of an infection. For example, the German Heart Foundation is now warning of the dangerous effects on the heart and blood vessels.
“In the third year of the corona pandemic and with more than 30 million recorded Covid-19 cases in Germany, it is becoming apparent that many of those affected will continue to have symptoms for a long time after being infected with Sars-CoV-2,” says a new statement. Many of those affected suffered from heart palpitations, memory problems, muscle weakness and pain. According to this, up to 30 percent indicate persistent symptoms even after the infection – including on the heart.
For example, a US study found that people who had previously had Covid had a risk of heart failure that was over 70 percent higher after one year compared to non-infected people. “According to the experiences of the past two years, the heart is also at risk of suffering damage beyond the acute infection,” emphasizes Thomas Voigtländer, Chairman of the Board of the German Heart Foundation. According to the cardiologist, typical persistent heart problems that patients continue to complain about afterwards
The disease mechanisms for this are so far unclear; however, autoimmune reactions are most likely to be responsible for this.
According to a Swedish study, the risk of venous thromboembolism is apparently increased not only in the acute phase, but also months after infection – especially in patients with severe Covid-19. In this context, the risk of a pulmonary embolism was significantly increased over the following six months. “However, people who are seriously ill with Covid generally have an increased risk of thrombosis and heart and vascular diseases, due solely to being bedridden and the severe course of the disease,” says physician Voigtländer.
Patients with a pre-existing heart disease or risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus are particularly at risk for severe Covid 19 courses.
The treatment of post-Covid complaints is usually based on the symptoms. Established treatment methods do not yet exist. However, cardiologists from the US specialist society ACC have summarized recommendations in a statement specifically for long-term heart problems.
They distinguish between two post-Covid forms (PASC = Post acute sequelae of Covid-19), each with different symptoms that affect the heart:
Read the issue of FOCUS-GESUNDHEIT what makes your heart strong and what you can do when it gets sick.
What can we do now to protect ourselves from Long-/Post-Covid? Cardiologist Bernhard Schieffer, member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the German Heart Foundation, refers to protective measures that have already been recommended for Covid-19 by experts from the American Association of Cardiologists ACC for cardiovascular patients and older people with an increased risk of severe Covid courses :
“Everyone should optimize their risk profile and pay attention to their health status: be regularly active with endurance exercise, eat healthily. You should also improve your immune status by vaccinating against Sars-CoV-2, influenza, pneumococci and herpes zoster. Older people should also check their vitamin D levels – and not to forget the established hygiene measures and distance rules.”
Anyone who thinks they are affected by Long-Covid should contact their family doctor as a first step. Depending on the symptoms, they can then refer you to an appropriate expert, for example to a cardiologist in the case of heart problems.
Apart from that, there are also so-called post-Covid outpatient clinics, which specialize in treating those affected. A list of contact points throughout Germany can be found here.
