Long COVID Can Lead to Heart Palpitations, Be Mindful of These Symptoms

Studies have shown that a significant proportion of COVID-19 patients experience cardiac involvement, which can manifest as palpitations, arrhythmias, or changes in heart rate. This is believed to be due to inflammation caused by the virus and the body’s immune response to it.

What are the effects of coronavirus on the heart and circulatory system?

COVID-19 has many adverse effects on the heart like increased heart rate and heart palpitations, blood clots, damage to the heart from a lack of oxygen and nutrients, inflammation of the heart muscle called broken heart syndrome. People with existing heart and circulatory conditions are at a greater risk for heart complications from Covid-19, although these complications are also observed in those without pre-existing heart disease. This is because the virus is thought to damage the endothelial lining (inner lining) of blood vessels. This can lead to blood clotting, leaky blood vessels, reduced blood supply to other parts of the body.

Heart Palpitations After COVID

Many people who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection may continue to experience side effects for months, and in some cases, these symptoms can persist for up to six months or longer post-infection. Heart palpitations refer to sensations of a fast or irregular heartbeat, including pounding, fluttering, or skipping beats. While usually not harmful, it is important to seek medical advice if palpitations persist or worsen, or if you have pre-existing heart disease. Medical attention may be required in certain situations such as chest pain, dizziness, prolonged or intense palpitations, or other heart complications.

Long COVID is believed to cause heart palpitations due to inflammation caused by the virus and the body’s immune response to it. The virus can cause inflammation in the heart muscle (myocarditis) and blood vessels (vasculitis), which can lead to changes in heart rate and rhythm. Additionally, Long COVID patients have been reported to have high levels of cytokines, which are inflammatory molecules that can affect the heart and cause palpitations. The exact mechanisms by which the virus causes these changes are still being studied, but it is known that the virus can directly infect the heart and cause myocarditis, which can be responsible for heart palpitations. 

Understanding Long COVID Palpitations: Symptoms to Watch For

The symptoms of palpitations associated with Long COVID include:

• A sensation of your heart beating fast, hard, or irregularly
• Fluttering or “skipping” beats
• A sensation of “thumping” or “pounding” in your chest
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fatigue

It’s important to note that these symptoms can be caused by other conditions as well, so it’s important to consult with your cardiologist if you experience any of these symptoms. They will be able to diagnose the cause of your heart palpitations and recommend appropriate treatment options after the necessary tests. 

Long COVID and Heart Rate: Can post-COVID affect your heart’s rhythm?

Many people have noticed an increase in heart rate after recovering from COVID. Normal heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute; an increase in this rate, resulting in tachycardia, is of concern in “long haulers”. Majority of long haulers experience a rapid heart rate (Ref. Link) due to prolonged illness or inactivity. Some may experience an increase in the heart rate while standing which is called postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). This is caused by the abnormality in the Autonomic nervous system (ANS) which controls the blood flow back to the heart. Researchers attribute the increase in heart rate following infection with Covid to the virus and immune response affecting the autonomic nervous system (rather than heart itself) and lack of physical activity. The majority of these patients’ cardiac test results are normal. Other common causes of an elevated heart rate include dehydration, stress or anxiety, exercise, caffeine, or the introduction of a new medication. Temporary variations in heart rate are typically not a cause for alarm. Studies have shown that up to one-third of survivors of non-severe COVID-19 experience new electrocardiographic changes and arrhythmias. Although an irregular heartbeat can be caused by other factors such as dehydration, it’s important to consult your doctor to rule out more serious Long COVID complications such as myocarditis, blood clots, and heart dysfunction.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

What are some common symptoms of Long COVID?

Some of the common symptoms of long COVID are fatigue and prolonged exhaustion, shortness of breath, cognitive difficulties such as brain fog, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating, loss of taste or smell, headaches, muscle and joint pain, and chest pain or palpitations.

Are heart palpitations a common symptom of Long COVID?

You can experience palpitations along with other persistent symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness. In most cases, they are not indicative of a serious problem.

 How can I manage my heart palpitations if I have Long COVID?

Palpitations are usually harmless and do not require any treatment.  You should see a doctor if they occur too often, last too long, or worsen over time. If palpitations are due to a heart problem like cardiac arrhythmias, your doctor may prescribe beta blockers to regulate your heart rhythm.

How long do heart palpitations usually last in Long COVID patients?

Heart palpitations may last for seconds, minutes, or even longer. You can feel the heart pounding or fluttering in your chest. They can occur anytime, even during rest or routine activities.

Can Long COVID cause heart damage?

Yes. Although long COVID primarily affects the respiratory system, it can damage the heart. Temporary or permanent heart  damage can result from:

• Insufficient oxygen supply to the heart can result in cell death and tissue damage of the heart and other organs.
• COVID 19 may cause inflammation of the blood vessels and heart resulting in blood clots, reduction in blood flow to the heart and other organs.

Stress cardiomyopathy, which is caused by viral infections, damages the heart.

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