Even though there is still a lot to be still learnt about lasting cardiac effects on people who have had Covid-19, medical experts are of the view that heart and lungs are found affected in the recovered patients as part of post disease syndrome and at least 15-30 percent of patients are seriously impacted by it in India. In some cases, patients are left with signs of heart damage that may call for continued monitoring, they say.  

“All the patients who have suffered from moderate to severe COVID, 80 percent to 90 percent of them have underlying heart damage. Myocardial and heart failure have been significantly high during this period,” said Dr (Prof) Mohit Gupta, Professor Cardiology, GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi, while talking in an online public health programme on Wednesday. 

Myocarditis, also known as viral heart disease, is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes inflamed. A severe case of myocarditis can weaken the heart, which can lead to heart failure, abnormal heartbeat and sudden death. Symptoms include chest pain, abnormal heartbeat and shortness of breath.

“During COVID times, regular heart check-ups are essential because the cases of cardiac arrest have increased significantly,” says Dr Purshotam Lal, Interventional Cardiologist, Chairman, Metro Group of Hospitals.