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| Description | This past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed the face of the world. The novel coronavirus has killed over three and a half million people worldwide, and over 500,000 people in the United States alone. While we are seeing signs of normalcy returning to our society as more and more people receive one of the three COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States, it is still vital to remain vigilant as hospitalizations and deaths due to the virus continue to occur. As we have learned over the course of the pandemic, certain individuals are at higher risk for developing serious complications due to COVID-19. This includes the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and auto-immune diseases such as HIV/AIDS. Individuals with chronic health conditions may be at greater risk of becoming hospitalized or dying from COVID-19. But what about people with heart disease? What role does cardiovascular disease play in the likelihood of serious illness or death from COVID-19? According to the CDC, people with heart conditions are at an increased risk of developing serious complications that lead to hospitalization or death if they contract COVID-19. Which Heart Conditions Can Increase My Risk of Serious Illness Due to COVID-19? The CDC lists heart conditions including heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, and possibly even high blood pressure as potential comorbidities that could lead to serious illness, hospitalization, or death from COVID-19. According to Dr. Mitch Elkind, a stroke neurologist at Columbia University and the president of the American Heart Association, the virus that causes COVID-19 can impact the whole body, including the heart and brain. In a brief video on the American Heart Association website, Dr. Elkind explains how at first, medical professionals believed they were dealing with a disease strictly limited to the lungs. But, he explains, “It turns out that it’s much more than that, because the way that the virus gets into the cells of the body is by binding to this receptor called ACE2. It’s an enzyme in the body.” Dr. Elkind explains further that while ACE2 is an enzyme that we have on cells in our lungs, it is also present in the heart, the gastrointestinal system, and even some nerve cells. Most notably, says Dr. Elkind, every single one of our blood vessels are lined with cells that include the ACE2 enzyme. The virus binds to the cells, gaining entry to the lining of the blood vessels and causing blood clots in some individuals. Because of this, the virus that causes COVID-19 can cause serious illness, hospitalization, or even death in people who are already dealing with blocked arteries, angina, or other signs of heart disease. If you feel that you may be at greater risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19 due to heart disease, get vaccinated at your earliest convenience. Additionally, consult your physician about a carotid artery test to determine whether you may have a cardiovascular condition. |
| Created | 14 Jun 2021 |
| Total credit | 0 |
| Recent average credit | 0 |
| Cross-project stats | BOINCstats.com Free-DC SETIBZH |
| Country | United States |
| Type | Local/regional |
| Members | |
| Founder | Kelly Wilson |
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