EP228: Covid-19 and Arrythmia

Welcome to my podcast. I am Doctor Warrick Bishop, and I want to help you to live as well as possible for as long as possible. I’m a practising cardiologist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the creator of The Healthy Heart Network. I have over 20 years as a specialist cardiologist and a private practice of over 10,000 patients. Podcast Summary Dr. Warrick Bishop is a practicing cardiologist who hosts educational podcasts aimed at helping patients understand their heart health. In this episode, Dr. Bishop addresses common questions from patients regarding COVID-19 and its specific implications for those with arrhythmias and other cardiac conditions. The episode focuses on clarifying misconceptions and providing practical guidance for cardiac patients during the pandemic. Key Takeaways: Patients with well-controlled arrhythmias and no other comorbidities are not necessarily at increased risk from COVID-19, as the virus primarily affects those with diminished immunity. Atrial fibrillation in isolation does not significantly increase COVID-19 risk, but when combined with other conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or heart failure, it becomes a marker for higher risk. Ventricular arrhythmias (rhythms from the heart's lower chambers) are more concerning as they typically indicate underlying heart dysfunction and carry increased risk for poor COVID-19 outcomes. Pacemaker patients are not inherently at higher risk from COVID-19 and should utilize remote monitoring options when available to avoid hospital exposure. Patients with defibrillators or cardiac resynchronization devices have compromised left ventricular function and should exercise particular caution due to elevated COVID-19 risk. Current evidence does not support discontinuing ACE inhibitor or angiotensin II blocker medications due to COVID-19 fears, despite theoretical concerns about lung receptor interactions. The hypertension rate observed in severe COVID-19 cases matches the baseline hypertension rate in general populations, suggesting no specific increased risk. The virus can survive up to 72 hours on hard surfaces, 24 hours on soft surfaces, and several hours in the air, making proper hygiene and handwashing essential preventive measures. Soap and alcohol-based products effectively combat the virus due to its lipid coating, as do bleach and peroxide solutions.