When can you go back to your pre-COVID workout routine
Since the onset of the novel coronavirus, people have fought many battles. While millions have survived the implications of the second wave in India, many continue to bear the ills of the deadly virus.
Not only have mild and moderate infections taken a massive toll on people's physical and mental well being, severe infections, leading to heightened inflammation in the body, have led to fatalities. But one of the most unpredictable aspects of the SARs-COV-2 virus is its ability to cause sudden complications and death even after having recovered from the disease.
Post COVID complications and sudden deaths
Given that the patients test negative for the virus and feel absolutely fine, they tend to return back to their normal routines, exercising at the same pace they used to in the pre-COVID era.
However, many cases of people experiencing cardiac arrest or in worst case scenarios a heart attack during or post their recovery has triggered a sense of alarm amongst the public. This in turn has restricted a large section of people, with or without pre-existing comorbidities, from following their usual workout routine, exercising or performing other means of physical activity post their COVID recovery.
During such times, it is likely for you to have a lot of questions which remain unanswered and add to your confusion. That said, we got in touch with some well-known experts and cardiologists who will not only clear the air, but provide an insight into how COVID-19 impacts the heart, leading to sudden complications and even deaths in patients who have recovered from COVID-19.
What is the primary cause of post COVID complications and sudden deaths in patients?
Dr. Ameya Udyavar, who is a Consultant Cardiologist and Cardiac Electrophysiologist at P.D Hinduja Hospital & MRC, believes heart attack to be one of the most common causes behind sudden deaths in recovered COVID-19 patients. If the patient has a blockage in the artery, which is sudden, and the occlusion of the artery is 100%, there is no blood supply to the heart, and the heart suffers a massive damage, and in that the heartbeat either becomes fast or it stops. This results in the death of the patient. "Sometimes because of COVID, there can be muscle involvement which is called 'myocarditis'. In that condition, sometimes, there can be a heartbeat problem which can cause a cardiac arrest," he explains.
How does COVID-19 impact the heart? What are its implications?
Although coronavirus is predominantly a respiratory illness, its impact on the heart cannot be overlooked. Dr Bipin Kumar Dubey - HOD and Consultant of Cardiac Sciences, HCMCT Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka, discusses the two types of cardiac complications majorly witnessed in COVID-19 patients. One is heart attack, which is caused due to the blockage in the coronary arteries leading to clot formation. Whereas, the other constitutes the damage SARs-COV-2 virus causes to the cardiac muscles, leading to the weakening of the heart muscles, also called cardiomyopathy.
However, Dr. Udyavar ensures by saying that the involvement of the heart in COVID patients is less, i.e. in the range of 6-7% out of 20%. According to him, "there is something called immune system involvement where the heart can get involved, and where the heart pumping can go low. But this is seen rarely amongst COVID patients."
Read more: Coronavirus recovery: Why it is important to get your heart checked post-recovery
Is it safe for people to go back to their workout routines while recovering from COVID?
When it comes to mild infections, where there is no lung involvement, patients can resume their normal activities. Although, stringent activities should be avoided for sometime, Dr. Udyavar recommends, at least mild exercises like walking, brisk walking can be started after 10-12 days or two weeks of testing negative from the COVID infection. "But if someone feels breathless while performing exercises and cannot carry themselves, unlike earlier, their symptoms would need to be investigated," he says.
What should people with pre-existing heart conditions keep in mind?
Those who have a pre-existing heart condition, they need to be extra careful during COVID-19 and post their recovery.
"If the patient has a pre-existing heart problem, they should not stop their medication. The existing medications reduce the risk of heart diseases irrespective of COVID. The patients should not fear being infected due to COVID," says Dr. Udyavar.
Apart from that, physical activity and diet play an important role. Mild activities such as walking can provide relief during post COVID care.
In case the patient develops new symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations, feeling suddenly fatigued, it should be addressed immediately, as per the doctors. "Consult the doctor immediately and check if it’s a cardiac issue, and then get it treated accordingly," recommends Dr. Udyavar.
Read more: Recuperative lung strengthening exercises for COVID recovery
When can recovering patients go back to their pre-COVID workout and lifestyle routines?
According to Dr. Dubey, the majority of the patients suffering with COVID-19 come up with mild symptoms, whereas the remaining others have to be hospitalized or need intense care. Therefore, he says, "If a patient does not require any hospitalization or oxygen support, they can return to their normal routines in about 2-3 weeks after testing negative for the virus. However, they should resume their activities gradually, not suddenly." This is to avoid any possible lung complications such as chest pain and breathlessness.
For those, who experienced severe lung complications and have pre-existing heart conditions, they are advised to rest for at least 2-3 months after recovery, gradually going back to their routines.
Dr. Udyarva was of the similar opinion and says, "Patients with severe COVID infections who require a ventilator and oxygen will take time for recovery. At least 2-3 months till they feel normal and recovered. They will need rehabilitation under a physiotherapist and later gradually step up their physical activity."