HOW IS COVID-19 AFFECTING CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE PATIENTS?

COVID-19 has caused havoc throughout the world ever since the first case was detected back in 2019. Even today, many countries are facing difficult times and even witnessing the third wave of the virus.

The coronavirus pandemic has been especially scary for certain vulnerable groups of the population. This includes patients who suffer from congenital heart disease (CHD). The best heart hospitals in Dubai are striving to provide the necessary care to congenital heart disease patients while following all COVID-19 safety measures.

Here is everything we know so far about how COVID-19 is affecting patients with congenital heart disease.

What is Congenital Heart Disease?

Congenital heart disease is a heart abnormality that an individual is born with. Simply put, it is a heart disease that is present at birth. Congenital heart disease can affect the way blood flows through your heart. It may present itself with many symptoms, or even no symptoms at all.

For patients who are born with congenital heart disease, it is something that they have to live with throughout their lives. And with new babies being born every day, those who are born with congenital heart defects need extra care during the time of this pandemic.

COVID-19 and Congenital Heart Disease

If you were born with CHD, you will likely be classified as high risk for coronavirus. However, the extent of the risk will depend on your exact heart condition.

1. Low-Risk CHD Patients

In general, you may be considered low risk for coronavirus, even with congenital heart disease, if the following conditions apply to you:

  • Your heart’s ability to pump blood is not affected
  • You do not experience visible symptoms from your heart condition
  • You have a normal shape and size heart
  • Your heart rhythm is normal
  • You do not have pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)
  • Your heart valves are normal

2. High-Risk CHD Patients

On the other hand, if your CHD causes symptoms that include the following, you will likely be considered at a higher risk for COVID-19:

  • Have had a heart transplant
  • Pregnant with significant heart disease
  • Adult with Down’s syndrome
  • Over the age of 60
  • Complex unrepaired congenital heart disease
  • Cyanosis
  • Fontan circulation
  • Heart failure causing symptoms such as breathlessness
  • Heart valve disease (stenosis or regurgitation)
  • Immunosuppressed
  • Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)
  • Your heart’s ability to pump is severely affected
  • Single ventricle
  • Medical problems such as diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease
  • Obese

If any of the high-risk factors apply to you, then it is advisable to get in contact with the best heart hospitals in Dubai to discuss how the pandemic will affect you and your treatment, as well as how to effectively protect yourself against the virus.

Treatment for Congenital Heart Defect During COVID-19

If you have severe CHD, it is likely that you require regular healthcare checkups and treatment from your cardiologist. To ensure that you receive the best care during the pandemic, you should reach out to your hospital’s cardiology department in Dubai.

The best heart hospitals in Dubai are taking a variety of measures to provide top-care to congenital heart defect patients amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of these measures include:

  • Postponing elective surgeries and procedures
  • Replacing in-person office visits with telemedicine consultations
  • Requiring temperature and symptom screenings for visitors and employees
  • Wearing a mask mandatory for every patient and employee in the hospital
  • Preoperatively testing patients for COVID-19
  • Following social distancing measures within the hospital
  • Regular disinfection and hygiene measures

The bottom line is that you do not need to worry about how your treatment of CHD is affected during the pandemic. The best practice is to inform your hospital’s department of cardiology in Dubai of your condition so that the best preventive measures can be taken.

The Best Heart Hospitals in Dubai

German Heart Centre is proud to have the best department of cardiology in Dubai. Our team of specialist cardiologists are experts in cardiovascular and thoracic service in Dubai and are taking every measure possible to ensure that all COVID-19 precautions are implemented.

Book an appointment with our department of cardiology today for the best heart treatment during the coronavirus pandemic.

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