Conditions Mistaken for Heart Failure

A Startling New Study Found That 75% Of Past COVID Patients May Suffer From This Heart Condition

Medical worker examining female patient through stethoscope in ICU. Healthcare professional is looking at sick woman in hospital. They are wearing protective face mask during COVID-19 pandemic.

Chances are, by now you know that COVID-19 is serious. But just in case you didn't—or if you didn't want to believe it—new data shows that even mild cases of coronavirus infections may pose more severe risks than have been previously reported.

A new study of 200 COVID-19 patients between the ages of 18 and 83 revealed that more than 75% of participants with mild cases of COVID-19 between June and August 2021 with elevated troponin (a protein that regulates muscle contraction) showed signs of cardiac injury. What does that mean and how can you stay safe? Read on to find out.

Related: These Are the 2 Most Common Symptoms of the New FLiRT COVID Variant Doctors Are Seeing Right Now

COVID-19 May Cause Cardiac Injury

The study released in May 2024 revealed that three in four patients had MRI scans showing signs of cardiac injury after recovering from mild cases of COVID-19.

What does that even mean? It's a general term for heart conditions. The most commonly observed in the study included:

The study claimed that cardiac injuries were most concentrated among study participants between the ages of 40 and 60 years old.

Other symptoms observed included myocarditis among 45% of participants and "supersensitive troponin" among 73% of participants; supersensitive troponin may cause heartbeat irregularities.

There is some good news: According to the study, impacts lessened somewhat over time, with a five to 10% reduction in symptoms after 60 days and a 25- to 35% decrease in symptoms after 90 days.

Additionally, context matters, says Dr. Rigved V. Tadwalkar, MD, a board-certified consultative cardiologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California. "It is important to recognize that these complications are not a common consequence of COVID-19 infection—the study population specifically focused on patients with elevated troponin levels during hospitalization, indicating some degree of pre-existing heart injury," he explains.

Related: The Super Simple COVID Prevention Tip Most People Forget About, According to Infectious Disease Experts

Why Does COVID-19 Cause Heart Problems?

Dr. Yu-Ming Ni, MD, board-certified cardiologist and lipidologist at Memorial Care Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, says the biggest link between COVID-19 and cardiac injury is likely "the highly inflammatory nature of the disease."

"It is noted that many patients developed at least low-level heart injury, as measured by troponin levels, and that cardiovascular symptoms took longer than other symptoms to recover from," Dr. Ni adds. "We similarly studied 90 patients when I worked at Scripps Clinic in San Diego and identified high rates of cardiovascular and GI side effects as well."

Related: This Thermostat Setting Could Help Protect You From the New COVID Variant, According to Infectious Disease Experts

According to Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center, "The methods by which COVID-19 causes these conditions is not entirely clear but is thought to be related to the damage caused by the COVID-19 to the linings of the blood vessels in our body, leading to increased inflammation."

"The exact cause of these cardiovascular complications following COVID-19 infection is an area of active investigation. As an observational study, this research does not definitively answer whether COVID-19 directly results in these conditions," Dr. Tadwalkar explains. "Scientifically, there are two likely mechanisms: direct viral invasion and/or indirect inflammatory response. The virus itself may have the potential to infiltrate heart cells, causing direct damage and inflammation. Additionally, COVID-19 is known to trigger a significant inflammatory response throughout the body. This systemic inflammation can also reach the heart and its surrounding tissues, leading to damage and dysfunction. Both mechanisms may probably be at play to varying degrees in different individuals."

That said, cardiologists agree that more research is necessary to determine a definitive answer.

Related: Here's What a COVID Sore Throat Feels Like—and How It's Different From Other Types of Sore Throats

How Can You Protect Yourself From COVID-19-Related Cardiovascular Issues? Get your COVID-19 vaccines and boosters

Your first step: Get your COVID-19 vaccine and boosters! And if you think you're at risk of myocarditis as a side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine, well, we have some important details for you especially.

"Rare instances of myocarditis have been reported following mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, particularly in younger males. However, it is necessary to consider these events in context: The risk of myocarditis following vaccination is significantly lower than the risk associated with COVID-19 infection itself," Dr. Tadwalkar says. "These cases are typically mild and respond well to established treatments."

He adds that major health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association continue to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for eligible individuals, emphasizing the benefits in preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19 compared to the rare potential side effects, particularly in at-risk populations.

"If you have any concerns about COVID-19 vaccination and your individual risk factors, discussing them with a trusted physician is always recommended," he notes. "They can provide you with the most up-to-date information and guidance tailored to your specific situation."

Related: Here's How Long COVID Is Contagious After You Get a Positive Test

If you do get infected, exercise once you've recovered.

Exercising according to your personal fitness level is a great way to protect your heart once you've recovered from COVID-19—and all the time, Dr. Ni says. As an added bonus, it can also help increase air movement in your lungs.

Related: This One Thing Could Make Your COVID Vaccine More Effective

Eat a healthy diet

To keep your heart and body healthy, you'll want to eat plenty of vegetables, fruit and whole grains, Dr. Tadwalker recommends.

Related: The One Diet That Will Actually Lower Your Heart Attack Risk, According to Cardiologists

Manage stress

Getting COVID-19 is obviously going to be a stressful ordeal, even if it's a mild case. Try to manage your stress not just during infection and recovery, but overall, because stress can do a number on your heart and blood pressure even if you're otherwise healthy, cardiologists advise. Whether it means going for a walk, journaling, venting to your dog, finding a therapist or delegating some of your workload or household tasks, find what works for you.

Related: Here's How Much Stress Actually Impacts Your Blood Pressure—and What You Can Do About It

Consider supplements

According to Dr. Ni, small studies have suggested that vitamin C, vitamin D, turmeric and curcumin may show some benefit in patients with COVID-19: "I generally tell my patients after COVID infection to take the above three supplements, with an emphasis on natural forms of vitamin C, such as citrus fruits."

Related: Here's What We Actually Know About the Link Between Vitamin D and COVID

Talk to your doctor

You need to keep your physician informed about your health and lifestyle in order to make sure they can provide proper care.

"If an individual has pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, it is important to continue following the doctor's recommendations for medication and lifestyle modifications," Dr. Tadwalkar advises. "Open communication is the key. It is also of value to report any new or persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection, especially those that might suggest cardiovascular concerns, such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeats. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes. However, it is important to remember that while some risk exists, the vast majority of COVID-19 cases do not result in long-term cardiovascular complications."

Next, If You Haven't Gotten COVID Yet, This Might Be Why

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Breathing Easy: Tackling Indoor Air Pollution

Everyday street scene. — Image © Tim Sandle

In the quest for a healthy and comfortable living environment, indoor air quality plays an important role. One source of concern in the everyday home are air pollutants. Growing scientific evidence has shown that because people generally spend the majority of their time indoors, indoor pollution plays a significant role in affecting health and is thus an important health issue.

From dust and pollen to mould spores and pet dander, indoor air can harbour a myriad of contaminants that adversely affect health and well-being. Not all homes are equal; a large degree of spatial and temporal dynamics comes into play.

The company Vortex Air has explored the most common air pollutants found in homes and has shared these with Digital Journal.

Indoor air quality can be measured in different ways and national standards vary. Qualitatively it refers to the cleanliness and purity of the air within indoor spaces, such as homes, offices, and schools. However this is assessed quantitatively, poor indoor air quality can have significant implications for health, exacerbating respiratory conditions, triggering allergies, and contributing to a range of adverse health effects.

Common pollutants found in indoor environments include:

Dust

Comprising a mixture of particles from various sources, including skin cells, fabric fibres, and outdoor pollutants, dust can accumulate on surfaces and become airborne, leading to respiratory irritation and allergies. Skin detritus is the most common source of dust in the home.

Pollen

Pollen particles from outdoor sources can infiltrate indoor spaces through open windows and doors, triggering allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.

Mould spores

Filamentous fungi grow in damp or poorly ventilated areas can release spores into the air, posing health risks such as allergic reactions, asthma exacerbation, and respiratory infections.

Pet Dander

Shed skin cells, fur, and saliva from pets can contribute to indoor air pollution, particularly for individuals with pet allergies or asthma.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are chemicals emitted by various household products and materials, such as paints, cleaning agents, and furnishings. Prolonged exposure to VOCs can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and other health effects.

In terms of remediation, bioactive coatings are envisaged as a promising biotechnology to tackle the emerging problem of indoor air pollution.

Tobacco Smoke

Second-hand smoke from cigarettes contains numerous harmful chemicals and particulate matter, posing serious health risks to occupants, especially children and non-smokers. This can lead to lung conditions and pose an additional risk as a mutagenic compound.

To address these concerns, regular ventilation is important by ensuring there is adequate ventilation by opening windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate.

Conditions can also be improved with effective humidity control. Maintaining optimal indoor humidity levels (between 30% and 50% relative humidity) can help to minimise the potential for mould growth. Dehumidifiers can be used in damp areas, such as basements and bathrooms, to reduce moisture levels and inhibit mould proliferation.

Regular cleaning is also important, to remove dust, dirt, and other pollutants from surfaces and furnishings.

How To Test And Improve Your Home's Indoor Air Quality

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Indoor air quality testing is endlessly important when it comes to managing your indoor environment. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems. Investing in an indoor air quality monitor helps homeowners better understand and monitor changes in air quality in their homes, and helps raise awareness for the factors that influence poor air quality. Once you start paying attention to the potential pollutants in your home, you can take steps to consult an air quality professional or replace your HVAC system.

Factors That Affect Indoor Air Quality

Particulate Matter: This includes dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. These tiny particles can be inhaled and cause respiratory issues, especially for individuals with allergies or asthma.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Common sources of VOCs include paints, cleaning products, aerosol sprays, and building materials. VOCs can off-gas into the air and contribute to indoor pollution, potentially causing headaches, dizziness, and other health problems.

Gases: Harmful gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) can accumulate indoors. Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous as it is colorless and odorless, leading to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and even death in high concentrations. Radon, another hazardous gas, can seep into homes from the ground and increase the risk of lung cancer.

Biological Contaminants: Bacteria, viruses, and dust mites are biological contaminants that can thrive indoors, especially in humid environments. These contaminants can exacerbate allergies and lead to infections or other health issues.

Temperature and Humidity Levels: "Temperature not only affects your comfort at home, but it can also influence your performance, sleep quality, and how well your immune system functions to fight off pathogens," notes Jennie Bergman, Senior Product Manager of Indoor Environmental Air Quality at Trane Residential. Both high and low humidity can affect air quality. High humidity promotes mold growth and dust mites, while low humidity can cause dry skin, irritated respiratory passages, and static electricity.

Household Activities: Everyday activities such as cooking, smoking, burning candles, and using fireplaces or wood-burning stoves can release pollutants into the air. These activities can produce smoke, soot, and other particles that degrade indoor air quality.

Outdoor Pollutants: Pollutants from outside can infiltrate indoor spaces. Pollen, industrial emissions, and vehicle exhaust are common outdoor pollutants that can enter homes through windows, doors, and ventilation systems, affecting indoor air quality.HVAC Systems: Poorly maintained HVAC systems can contribute to indoor air pollution. Dirty filters, contaminated ducts, and inadequate ventilation can circulate chemical pollutants and different types of mold throughout the home, leading to poor air quality. Potential health risks include throat irritation and other allergy symptoms to lung cancer and death due to long-term exposure.

Indoor air quality devices measure various pollutant levels, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide (CO2), levels of carbon monoxide (CO), humidity, and temperature. Advanced models may also detect formaldehyde and radon.

Setting Up an IAQ Monitor

Choose a central location where your family spends most of their time, such as the living room or bedroom. Consider this a long-term test, and choose a place where the monitor can live for a long time. (Need a product? Consider AirThings which tests for all kinds of indoor air anomalies, including high radon levels). Make sure to place the monitor away from windows, doors, and vents to get accurate readings.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to set up and calibrate your IAQ monitor. This ensures the device provides reliable data on the air quality in your home.

Monitor the real-time data on various pollutants. Compare these readings to the recommended levels from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the World Health Organization (WHO). High levels of pollutants indicate poor air quality, which can pose serious health risks. Some manufacturers will recommend that you continuously test for several weeks to get a consistent read and rule out fluctuations (such as hazardously poor air caused by burned toast, ask me how I know). Many products will push alerts to you if it senses dangerous levels of radon and indoor air pollutants, just like a smoke detector or carbon monoxide alarm would sound off.

Taking Action Based on the Results

If your IAQ monitor indicates poor air quality, there are several steps you can take:

Improve natural ventilation by opening windows and using exhaust fans. This helps to bring in fresh air and remove indoor pollutants.

Investing in air purifiers. These devices are effective at removing airborne contaminants and can significantly improve indoor air quality. Portable air purifiers, like Rabbit Air, Lasko's GermGuardian, and Moss Air are good if you need to focus on a specific space for treatment, but whole-home purification is a bigger matter. "If your household is asthma or allergy-prone, it might be worth investing in a more premium air filter, like Trane's CleanEffects® Whole Home Air Cleaner, as it effectively reduces the presence of dust particles, pollen, pet hair and dander, lint, and more," shares Bergman. "Trane's CleanEffects is certified asthma & allergy friendly® by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, which is a major plus for parents looking for added peace of mind over their home's indoor air quality. The certification is awarded only to those products that are scientifically proven to reduce exposure to asthma and allergy triggers."

Identify and eliminate the sources of pollution in your home. Common pollutants include secondhand smoke, certain cleaning products, and unvented appliances. Reducing these sources can lead to better air quality.

Monitor regularly. Keep an eye on your IAQ monitor regularly to track improvements and spot any new issues as they arise.

Related: Protect Yourself Against These Air Duct Cleaning Scams

Consulting an Air Quality Professional

If you continue to experience poor air quality despite your efforts, it may be time to consult an air quality professional. They can perform a thorough assessment of your home, identify hidden problems, and recommend solutions like upgrading your HVAC system or installing advanced filtration systems.

Ensuring that your HVAC systems are well-maintained and replacing filters on a regular cadence is important to effectively managing your indoor air quality.

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