How Covid-19 Impacts Those With Heart Disease

We're all at risk for getting covid-19, but those with underlying health issues are more at risk for becoming seriously ill from the virus.

That includes those with heart disease.

Talent coronavirus:katie lange klange@kimt.com coverage you can count on we're all at risk for getting covid-19 - but those with underlying health issues are more at risk for becoming seriously ill from the virus.

That inclides those with heart disease - which according to the centers for disease control and prevention - is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the united states.

Heart patients-stinger-6 kimt news three's raquel hellman talked to a mayo clinic cardiologist about what patients can do to protect themselves during the pandemic.

Live she joins us now live in rochester to explain - raquel?xxx lowerthird2line talent coronavirus:raquel hellman rhellman@kimt.com coverage you can count on katie - here at mayo clinic - the doctors - nurses - and other medical professionals coming and going from these buildngs are doing everything they can to help those who get covid-19.

And this pandemic is shedding some light on ways we can all be healthier.

But the millions of people who have heart disease are at a higher risk when it comes to the virus - and here's why.

Heart patients-live vo-1 heart patients-live vo-4 mayo clinic cardiologist doctor stephen kopecky explained to me that covid-19 builds up fluid in the lungs.

Heart patients-live vo-6 and because the lungs and heart are so intimately connected - this means the heart has to work harder than usual.

He says there are several steps heart disease patients can take to protect themselves - including managing and lowering stress.

Doctor kopecky shared with me a unique way to do that - and i like the idea so much - i want to share it with you.xxx heart patients-live sot-1 heart patients-live sot-4 every night when you go to bed or when you wake up in the morning, think of 3 things you're thankful for.

It could be that you don't have covid.

You know, it could be that your kids who live in other states are doing okay, they're fine.

But just be thankful for those three things and say them to yourselves quietly.

Heart patients-live sot-5 it's not just heart disease patients that can benefit from reducing stress - we all can.

So i wanted to give you some inspiration - by sharing three things that i am thankful for.

My health - the health of my family and friends - and my pets - who provide me with a great source of comfort during this stressful and uncertain time.

Doctor kopecky says that doing this everyday has actually been shown to reduce heart attacks.

Live in rochester raquel hellman-kimt news 3.

/ thanks raquel.

Other steps heart disease patients can take to reduce their risk during the pandemic include exercising - eating right - even though it might be tempting to order take-out right now.

Continue to take any medication they're prescribed to - and monitor their weight and blood pressure.

/