COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, but The Doctors share research has shown some patients may also experience damage to their heart.
We welcome Dr. David Convissar, a critical care and cardiothoracic anesthesia fellow at Harvard, who battled the virus and found out it had affected his heart and caused it to not pump properly.
He explains the current thought is people with COVID can develop inflammation of the heart tissue, which can affect the heart's ability to pump properly. He tells Dr. Ian Smith the virus primarily affects the lungs, but he says those who are battling COVID or who have survived should err on the side of caution when it comes to their heart.
"Heart problems are definitely something that can be seen," he notes.
As for exercising while you have the virus or after you have recovered, Dr. Convissar explains the recommendation is to not actively exercise if you have symptoms, if you experienced cardiac symptoms you should wait for 2 to 3 weeks before exercising, and if you had myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) resting for 3 to 6 months is advised.
As always, check with your doctor before exercising after any heart-related health issues.
More: The 7 Places COVID-19 Is Most Commonly Spread
More: If You've Already Had COVID Do You Need the Vaccine?
