As health officials report an increase in winter viruses, health experts warn that symptoms of heart disease can sometimes imitate respiratory diseases.
Four viruses are circulating in the United States, causing concerns of a possible “quadetic”.
The syncytial respiratory virus (RSV), the flu, the COVVI-19 and the Norovirus are all at “very high levels” across the country, prevent experts.
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The American Heart Association (AHA) confirmed that some viruses were linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
“The highest risk is within three days of the infection, but remains increased up to 90 days,” said AHA on his website.
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Johanna Contreras, MD, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York, said that she had seen people confusing symptoms of viruses with serious cardiac complications.
Some patients who experience shortness of breath, whistling breathing, cough, swelling and palpitations may assume that their symptoms are linked to a cold when they are signs of heart failure, she said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.
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Weakness, fever, dizziness and chest pain could also mask potentially fatal conditions.
These can include pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), the heart attack, pericarditis (inflammation around the lining of the heart), heart failure or viral myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), according to the Mount Sinai cardiologists.
Viruses can cause an inflammatory condition, which can lead to or worsen heart conditions, according to Dr Icilma Fergus, director of cardiovascular disparities in the Mount Sinai health system in New York.
“As a general rule, these (viruses) which make a more sick and promote a hypercoagged state (an increased trend to form blood clots) are more dangerous,” she told Fox News Digital.
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“The objective has now been more and more placed on the RSV and the Norovirus above the flu and known viruses.”
Anuradha Lala, MD, another cardiologist at Mount Sinai in New York, noted that the body’s immune system creates an inflammatory response to fight and eliminate the virus – but this inflammation could inadvertently harm the heart tissue.
“If you have a known heart disease, viral infections can cause exacerbations- or worsening the underlying fabric- whether it be atrial fibrillation, coronary disease or heart failure,” She noted in the release.
A recent patient in the hospital recently experienced severe shortness of breath, weakness, palpitations and fatigue, fearing to have heart failure, she noted.
“After taking blood, there was a frantic moment when we could not reach the patient to share results which revealed a significantly high level of troponin, which can be linked to a heart attack”, a- She shared in the press release.
“Although we suspected the worst, we finally reached the patient and they were hospitalized with flu A and severe viral myocarditis. They were treated in an appropriate manner and fortunately, there was a good result.”
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The elderly – as well as those who are immunocompromised or who have a history of heart problems or other underlying conditions – are particularly at risk of cardiac complications, according to Mount Sinai cardiologists.
“Anyone is sensitive, even health care providers – and anyone who does not pay attention to their symptoms can fall ill with potentially fatal complications,” said Fergus in the report.
Patients who notice persistent chest pain and palpitations after a viral disease should consider eliminating myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle, according to counteras.
It is important to discuss all post-virus symptoms with a health professional, especially for those with high-risk groups, health experts at Fox News Digital told.
Specific symptoms that justify emergency attention include chest pain, difficulties in breathing or staying awake, feelings of vanishing or extremes of blood pressure.
The swelling of the legs can also be linked to heart events – especially if there is also an underlying heart disease or risk factors such as obesity, diabetes or family history of heart disease, said Lala in The release of Mount Sinai.
During cold and humid winter months, some viruses can prosper and become more virulent, Fergus told Fox News Digital.
“People must remain vigilant and observe for the symptoms of an imminent cold,” she advised. “Be tested to find out which virus you have, because antiviral treatments are different.”
People should take measures to avoid exposure to winter diseases and seek treatment if they fall sick, especially if they have an underlying condition, advised Fergus.
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It is recommended that those in vulnerable groups receive vaccines when available, added the cardiologist.
The American Heart Association recommends following the precautions below to reduce the chances of contracting a virus:
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Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face
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Avoid close contact with sick people
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Stay at home when you feel symptoms
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Wipe and disinfect surfaces that are frequently affected
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Cover coughing and sneezing to avoid propagation diseases
For more health items, visit www.foxnews.com/health
Heart diseases remain the main cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association.
Source of the original article: Some winter viruses could trigger cardiac complications, warn experts
