According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. According to figures, 17 million 900 thousand people die each year from heart-related diseases or infections.
Some of the diseases classified as silent diseases are high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, stress, obesity and heart rate. These are some of the pathologies that are closely related to heart problems.
A study conducted by the Journal of the American Heart Association found that infections (pneumonia, urinary tract infections) are also related to heart attacks or strokes. Researchers found that several people who died from Covid-19 developed blood clots throughout the body.
Motriz Wyler von Ballmoos, the cardiothoracic surgeon at Houston Methodist Hospital, explained to NotiPress that severe cases of Covid-19 and the flu could also damage the heart and circulatory system. “Infections increase the risk that the fatty plaque accumulated in the blood vessels will rupture, causing a heart attack or stroke,” he said.
Also, the health specialist explained that infections generally trigger an inflammatory reaction in the body. This inflammation is the most common way the body sends signals to the immune system to send cells to fight the problem.
On top of that, the specialist stated that the body activates white blood cells to help fight the infection, a process where platelet adhesion increases. This can lead to blood clots and then block blood flow to the heart or brain. “A mild respiratory illness or infection is a condition that increases the risk of some cardiovascular problem, but we should not be alarmed when it happens, as it does not pose a significant risk to heart health,” added Wyler von Ballmoos.
Other data explain, 1 in 8 adults hospitalized for influenza experienced a sudden and severe cardiac complication. However, the Houston Methodist Hospital specialist indicated that there are some ways to minimize the risks.
For example, prevention is key to keeping people and their loved ones healthy, staying home when sick and following all health protocols. Also, exercise constantly and eat a balanced diet low in fats and carbohydrates as far as possible.
In addition to this, control their health condition for those people with asthma, heart disease and diabetes. In this way, patients will significantly reduce heart complications and even avoid respiratory infections, including Covid-19.
