COVID-19 (coronavirus) and cardiac health

The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by a new virus (SARS-CoV-2), first reported late December 2019 in Wuhan. Latest COVID-19 case numbers.

The main symptoms of the disease are:

For most people (80% of cases) the illness is mild but the virus can cause severe illness in:

those who are older than 60 (people 80 and older are at highest risk)
those who have underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, lung disease, diabetes, or cancer

Some ways to stay healthy:

The virus may spread from person to person within 6 feet of one another if someone with the virus sneezes or coughs. Protective steps include:

Avoid people who are sick where possible.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
If you cough, cover your mouth or use the inside of your elbow; if you sneeze, cover your nose or use the inside of your elbow
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Clean surfaces touched often like doorknobs, handles, steering wheels, or light switches with a disinfectant to remove the virus
While risk is high undertake social distancing (2m) and use a face mask.
Attend for your vaccination when offered.

Eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, and manage stress.
If you experience fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call (rather than attend) your GP and they will advise regarding the next steps.
Treatment for virus infections, including COVID-19, typically involves rest and staying hydrated but if you have heart failure, excess fluid in your body may be a concern. If so, ask your doctor about extra monitoring you might need.
If you are taking medicine for a health condition, including heart disease or diabetes, problems may occur if you skip a dose or stop it altogether. Don't change your medications or treatment without first talking to your doctor.