Navigate this challenging period with resilience.
The nation is currently grappling with the widespread impact of flu and COVID, posing a specific threat to individuals with a risk of heart disease. Experts from Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital emphasize that these respiratory infections can induce heart complications due to fever, dehydration, and inflammation.
Doctors at Mount Sinai are witnessing a surge in heart problems linked to respiratory infections, affecting all age groups, including young adults in their 20s. Inflammation can potentially lead to heart attacks in individuals with blocked arteries, exacerbating symptoms associated with heart failure or heart rhythm disorders, according to medical professionals. Dr. Deepak Bhatt, the director of the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, highlights the heightened cardiovascular risks during the winter, especially with the onset of the flu season.
Individuals with existing cardiovascular disease or multiple risk factors for heart issues are particularly vulnerable to developing cardiac problems if they become severely ill from a respiratory infection. Dr. Bhatt emphasizes the importance of identifying and managing cardiovascular risk factors, along with basic preventive measures to avoid the potential compounding effect of a severe infection triggering a heart attack.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in both U.S. men and women, affecting nearly half of all adults. With almost 700,000 annual deaths attributed to heart disease, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that eight out of 10 of these deaths are preventable. Managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, weight, smoking, and age is crucial in preventing heart disease.
To minimize the risk of heart problems linked to infections, individuals are advised to be aware of their family history of heart issues, monitor key health metrics, adopt a healthy diet, limit alcohol consumption, quit smoking and vaping, engage in regular exercise, manage stress, and focus on mental health. Recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, lightheadedness, and pain in the arms, back, neck, or jaw, is also crucial. Seeking prompt medical attention in case of worsening symptoms, particularly for those with underlying heart conditions or risk factors, is emphasized by healthcare experts. Dr. Icilma Fergus, the director of cardiovascular disparities at the Mount Sinai Health System, underscores the importance of taking viral syndromes seriously and encourages people to get vaccinated against the flu and COVID to mitigate the severity of potential infections.
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