Does Heart Disease Increase Risk From COVID-19? What Patients Should Know

Does Heart Disease Increase Risk From COVID-19? What Patients Should Know

COVID-19 has affected millions of people worldwide, and research has shown that individuals with underlying health conditions may face a higher risk of severe illness. Among these conditions, heart disease remains one of the most significant risk factors for complications related to COVID-19. Understanding the connection between cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 can help patients take proactive steps to protect their heart health and overall well-being.

How COVID-19 Affects the Cardiovascular System

COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory illness, but the virus can also affect the heart and blood vessels. Studies have shown that COVID-19 can trigger inflammation throughout the body, which may place additional strain on the cardiovascular system.

The virus may contribute to several heart-related complications, including:

  • Increased inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis)

  • Worsening heart failure symptoms

  • Increased risk of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

  • Blood clot formation that can lead to heart attack or stroke

  • Increased stress on the heart due to reduced oxygen levels

For individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, these complications may significantly increase the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.

Related: Staying Active With Heart Disease

Why Patients With Heart Disease May Be at Higher Risk

Patients with underlying cardiovascular conditions often have reduced heart function or narrowed coronary arteries, which can make it more difficult for the body to respond to infection and inflammation. COVID-19 can worsen existing cardiovascular problems by increasing metabolic demand, reducing oxygen delivery, and triggering inflammatory responses.

Certain heart conditions associated with higher COVID-19 risk include:

  • Coronary artery disease

  • Heart failure

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)

  • Cardiomyopathy

  • History of heart attack

  • Peripheral artery disease

  • Congenital heart disease

Individuals with multiple cardiovascular risk factors—such as diabetes, obesity, or smoking history—may face an even greater risk of complications.

Symptoms of COVID-19 That May Affect Heart Patients

COVID-19 symptoms vary widely and can range from mild illness to severe respiratory and cardiovascular complications. Heart disease patients should be particularly aware of symptoms such as:

  • Chest discomfort or pressure

  • Shortness of breath

  • Fatigue or weakness

  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat

  • Dizziness or fainting

  • Swelling in the legs or abdomen

Because some of these symptoms overlap with cardiovascular conditions, it is important for patients to consult a healthcare provider if new or worsening symptoms occur.

Can COVID-19 Cause Long-Term Heart Problems?

Emerging research suggests that COVID-19 may cause long-term cardiovascular complications in some patients. Post-COVID heart issues may include persistent inflammation, reduced heart function, and increased risk of blood clotting disorders.

Patients who have recovered from COVID-19 but continue to experience chest discomfort, fatigue, or shortness of breath may benefit from cardiovascular screening and evaluation by a cardiologist.

Schedule a Cardiovascular Evaluation

Patients with heart disease or cardiovascular risk factors should consider scheduling a heart health evaluation, particularly if they have experienced COVID-19 infection or lingering symptoms.

Patients in Tampa Bay can schedule a consultation with our cardiologists at Ascent Cardiology to receive comprehensive cardiovascular screening and personalized heart health guidance.

To consult the best heart doctor in Tampa Bay from Ascent Cardiology, please request an appointment today.

Medical Disclaimer

The content provided on the Ascent Cardiology website is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. The information, articles, and media presented on this website do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Content published on this website is not intended to replace consultation, evaluation, or treatment by qualified healthcare professionals, including the providers at Ascent Cardiology or other licensed medical professionals.

If you believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate emergency medical care.

The medical information, opinions, and educational materials presented on this website are provided for general awareness and may not reflect the specific clinical practices or medical opinions of Ascent Cardiology or its providers. Reliance on any information provided on this website is solely at your own risk.

This website may include links to third-party medical or educational websites for informational purposes only. Ascent Cardiology does not control, endorse, or assume responsibility for the accuracy, reliability, or content of any third-party websites linked from this site.

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Cardiac Stress Tests: What They Are, Types, and What to Expect

What is a Stress Test?

A cardiac stress test measures how well your heart functions while it is working harder than usual. During physical exertion or medication-induced stress, the heart requires more oxygen-rich blood. If coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked, reduced blood flow may be detected during stress testing.

Stress testing allows cardiologists to evaluate:

  • Blood flow to the heart muscle

  • Heart rhythm and electrical activity

  • Exercise tolerance and cardiovascular fitness

  • Heart valve and pumping function

  • Presence of coronary artery disease

Types of Stress Tests

There are several types of cardiac stress tests, each providing unique information about heart health.

Exercise Treadmill Stress Test

The most common stress test involves walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bicycle while heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram (ECG) activity are monitored. Exercise intensity gradually increases to evaluate heart performance under stress.

This test is commonly used to assess symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and exercise intolerance.

Stress Echocardiogram

A stress echocardiogram combines ultrasound imaging with exercise or medication-induced stress. This test evaluates heart muscle movement, valve function, and pumping efficiency before and after stress.

Stress echocardiography helps detect areas of reduced blood flow and assess structural heart abnormalities.

Nuclear Stress Test

A nuclear stress test uses a small amount of radioactive tracer and advanced imaging technology to evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle. Images are taken at rest and during stress to identify areas of decreased circulation.

Nuclear stress testing provides highly detailed information and is often recommended for patients with higher cardiovascular risk or unclear exercise stress test results.

Pharmacologic Stress Test

For patients unable to exercise due to physical limitations or medical conditions, medications may be used to simulate the effects of exercise by increasing blood flow to the heart. Pharmacologic stress testing is often combined with echocardiography or nuclear imaging.

Who Should Consider a Cardiac Stress Test?

Cardiac stress testing may be recommended for individuals who:

  • Experience chest discomfort or shortness of breath

  • Have abnormal ECG results

  • Have risk factors for coronary artery disease

  • Have known heart disease requiring monitoring

  • Need cardiovascular clearance before surgery

  • Want comprehensive heart health evaluation

Patients with risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking history, obesity, or family history of heart disease may benefit from stress testing.

Are Cardiac Stress Tests Safe?

Cardiac stress testing is generally very safe and well-tolerated. Complications are rare and testing is performed under close medical supervision. Cardiologists evaluate each patient’s medical history to ensure the most appropriate type of stress test is performed.

Schedule a Cardiac Stress Test Consultation

Cardiac stress testing plays an essential role in diagnosing heart disease and preventing future cardiovascular events. Patients concerned about heart health or experiencing symptoms should consider scheduling a stress test evaluation.

Patients in Tampa Bay can schedule a consultation with Sachin Diwadkar, MD, FACC, FASE, at Ascent Cardiology to receive advanced cardiac testing and personalized heart health guidance.

To consult the top cardiologists in Tampa Bay from Ascent Cardiology, please request an appointment today.

Medical Disclaimer

The content provided on the Ascent Cardiology website is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. The information, articles, and media presented on this website do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Content published on this website is not intended to replace consultation, evaluation, or treatment by qualified healthcare professionals, including the providers at Ascent Cardiology or other licensed medical professionals.

If you believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate emergency medical care.

The medical information, opinions, and educational materials presented on this website are provided for general awareness and may not reflect the specific clinical practices or medical opinions of Ascent Cardiology or its providers. Reliance on any information provided on this website is solely at your own risk.

This website may include links to third-party medical or educational websites for informational purposes only. Ascent Cardiology does not control, endorse, or assume responsibility for the accuracy, reliability, or content of any third-party websites linked from this site.

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