On a new episode of the Heart Failure Beat: Healthy Living podcast, HFSA President, Dr. Biykem Bozkurt, Professor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, shares information on how the Coronavirus may impact people living with heart failure.
Dr. Bozkurt outlines tips to help ease patients’ concerns as the COVID-19 epidemic continues. These tips are highlighted below:
- Some symptoms of Coronavirus may overlap with heart failure symptoms that many patients are familiar with, such as shortness of breath. If you think you might have Coronavirus due to worsening or new symptoms, contact your healthcare provider via the phone first or call 911 if it’s an emergency.
- Have an adequate supply of your standard cardiac medications on-hand to minimize your time outside the home. If possible, request a 90-day supply from your provider, so that you are prepared.
- Continue taking your medications as instructed by your healthcare provider.
- Weigh yourself daily.
- Take your blood pressure daily, if you can.
- Be open to telemedicine and virtual visits with your healthcare provider. In these changing times, virtual connection is vital.
- Select your food choices wisely. Stocking up on non-perishables while you’re maintaining social distancing can pose challenges including minimized access to fresh food and hidden sodium in shelf stable foods. Be mindful of this as you consider your food options.
- Maintain a healthy routine and create a regimented daily schedule so you can keep your health on track.
- Stay active. Walk around inside your house, do chair exercises, yoga, tai chi, or another exercise that works well at home.
Remember, if anything unusual occurs, including new symptoms or a sudden change in your health, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Helpful Resources
Explore patient resources in the HFSA Coronavirus Resources Center
Visit the HFSA Patient Hub to explore tools and resources to help patients stay healthy while living with heart failure.
View Heart Failure Awareness 365 activities to stay up-to-date on tips for healthy living for people living with heart failure.