While treating common respiratory viruses – like colds, the flu or COVID – can often be done with the help of your doctor or through at-home wellness measures, the stress your body undergoes while trying to fight off these germs can have lasting effects, especially on your heart.
“Viruses can directly and indirectly affect the heart,” says Henry Kim, M.D., a cardiologist at Henry Ford Health. “Some viruses infect the heart itself by directly impacting heart cells. Other times, viruses can attack blood cells or instigate an inflammatory response that can affect the heart.”
This impact could increase your risk for cardiovascular conditions in the future. Specifically, inflammation of the heart muscle, called myocarditis, can put you at a greater risk for a heart attack, blocked artery, or heart failure.
How Myocarditis Increases Your Cardiovascular Risk
Viral infections are one of the most common causes of myocarditis. When you are sick, the virus can cause inflammation throughout the body. Acute bodily inflammation puts stress on your body – which in turn, puts more stress on the heart.
When heart muscles become inflamed, it can cause concerning symptoms including:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Irregular heart beats
Getting your myocarditis under control is of the upmost importance. And unfortunately, even when the virus and inflammation are gone, your heart can still be left weakened – increasing your likelihood of developing future heart complications.
It is also important to be aware that having a preexisting heart condition can put you at more of a risk for contracting viruses in the first place. Understanding these health risks can help you pay close attention to your heart so you are able to get the care you need to prevent potential damage.
How Heart Health Affects Your Risk For Viral Infections
If you have heart disease, you are considered immunocompromised, so it is important to talk to your doctor about ways you can actively avoid viruses. This may include:
- Getting your annual flu shot
- Getting a COVID booster shot
- Washing your hands thoroughly and frequently
- Wearing a mask in public places and around sick individuals
With cardiovascular disease, it also important not to neglect your heart condition out of fear of viruses. If your heart condition requires you to take medication, do not stop taking it – even if you get sick. Your cardiologist will let you know if there is ever a time you should stop taking this medication.
Maintaining Your Heart Health During Cold And Flu Season
Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with a heart condition, keeping your heart healthy when viruses are widespread is incredibly important. Dr. Kim shares these simple tips for improving your heart health:
- Avoid stress. Your stress levels may be at an all-time high now, but prolonged stress causes the body to work the heart more. “Look for ways to destress throughout the day and frequently check in on your own mental health,” says Dr. Kim.
- Eat healthfully. Look for ways that you can make heart-healthful food choices at home like eating more whole grains, lean meats and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Consider swapping out ingredients in your recipes for low-fat alternatives.
- Stay active. No need to join a gym. Use what you have around the house to diversify at-home workouts. Run stairs or use handheld objects as weights. If the weather permits, get outside for a walk or bike ride to get your heart pumping.
If at any point you notice changes in your heart health, contact your doctor.
“Delaying care can result in a more serious situation with increased risk of complications,” says Dr. Kim.
If you have a heart condition and catch a virus, your doctor will determine if you should recover at home or in the hospital, where your condition can be monitored more closely.
Reviewed by Dr. Henry Kim, the Division Head of Cardiology at Henry Ford Health. He sees patients at Henry Ford Medical Center – Plymouth.
