Health Hint: The heart & COVID

Taking care of your health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Baylor College of Medicine experts have plenty of tips to help you stay healthy. With February being Heart Month, this month’s Health Hint offers tips on taking care of your cardiovascular health in the midst of a pandemic.

When it comes to heart health, we are seeing that people are deferring their care out of fear of heading to the clinician’s office and being exposed to COVID-19. While people who have heart disease are at a higher risk of suffering from severe COVID-19, these same people are at risk for complications from their heart disease if they skip appointments or ignore worsening symptoms. Fortunately, measures are in place to keep patients safe and healthy at their doctor’s office, and there also are telehealth options.

Another indirect effect of the pandemic on heart health is that more people are staying indoors and not participating in as many healthy activities. Remember to focus on physical distancing, not social distancing. You can still head outdoors and get some exercise. This can help with improving heart health and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.”