The COVID-19 pandemic posed a challenge for health care providers to quickly make plans for effective treatments. Although there isn’t yet a definitive treatment for COVID-19, there are options, depending on your symptoms and their severity. If you have a heart condition, you should know your treatment options and how they may affect your cardiovascular health before getting treated.
Treatments at Home
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and your symptoms are not severe enough for hospitalization, you should make sure that you’re managing your heart health through telehealth appointments with your doctor. It is especially important for patients with chronic cardiovascular disease to check in with their doctors often so they can provide advice on the best course of action.
The best way to treat mild symptoms of COVID-19 at home is to maintain your general health: Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water. Acetaminophen is recommended to treat pain but be sure to check with your doctor for dosage instructions before starting to take it.
Patients with the virus should also self-quarantine at home to limit the spread of the virus. If you live with other people, isolate yourself within your home and limit interactions with other household members and pets. Be sure to wear a mask when you’re around others in your home, avoid sharing dishes and other household supplies, and have a member of your household regularly disinfect surfaces. Telehealth appointments are widely available, but if you need to leave your home to visit the doctor, wear a mask, practice social distancing, and avoid crowded public areas.
Hospitalization
For severe symptoms of COVID-19, you should seek medical attention. The CDC recommends seeking emergency care if you experience trouble breathing, persistent chest pain, new confusion, inability to stay awake, or bluish lips or face.
Hospital care will vary, depending on the patient. Although medical professionals have been testing possible treatment methods, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Your doctor will be able to monitor your breathing and overall health closely while you are hospitalized and recommend the best course of action. You may receive fluids or oxygen, depending on your specific symptoms.
Stay up to Date
New information on COVID-19 treatments is being released every day. For heart patients, it’s important to limit your exposure by staying at home whenever possible, wearing a mask when you leave your home, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands frequently. Check in with your doctor regularly for the most accurate information on what you can do to stay safe and healthy. If you suspect that you have symptoms of COVID-19, contact your doctor immediately.
Our team of specialists are here to help you keep your heart healthy through this crisis.
