COVID-19 has affected millions of people worldwide. While much of the focus has been on respiratory symptoms — like difficulty breathing and coughing — there’s a growing awareness of the heart-related complications potentially linked to the virus. Among the most serious is cardiac arrest.
A recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that people who developed COVID-19 were two to four times more likely to experience cardiovascular events compared to people with no COVID-19 history.
What’s the relationship between COVID-19 and cardiac arrest, and why is it significant? Let’s explore.
What is cardiac arrest?
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. Unlike a heart attack — where the heart's blood flow is blocked — cardiac arrest happens when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, leading to an immediate loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness. If not treated within minutes, cardiac arrest can be fatal. In many cases, it’s first treated with CPR, and defibrillation, an electric shock that can return the heart to its normal rhythm.
How does COVID-19 affect the heart?
COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory illness, but it can have widespread effects on the body, including the cardiovascular system. There are several ways that COVID-19 can lead to heart problems that increase the risk of cardiac arrest:
Inflammation and stress: COVID-19 can cause widespread inflammation in the body, including the heart. This inflammation can damage the heart muscle, impair its function, and make it less effective at pumping blood. A 2023 study showed that the virus can infect the arteries that supply blood to the heart, causing widespread inflammation that can trigger cardiac arrest.
Blood clots: One of the most dangerous effects of COVID-19 is its ability to increase the risk of blood clots. The virus can trigger a condition that causes tiny blood clots to form throughout the bloodstream. These clots can block blood flow to the heart and other vital organs, leading to heart attacks, strokes, or cardiac arrest.
Direct viral effects: There’s evidence too suggesting that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can directly infect the heart tissue. Some research suggests that COVID-19 can lead to a condition called myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and to pericarditis (inflammation of the tissue that covers the heart). This inflammation can weaken the heart and disrupt its normal rhythm, which increases the risk of abnormal heartbeats, called arrhythmias, and, in severe cases, cardiac arrest.
- Pre-existing heart conditions: Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease or heart failure, face an increased risk of complications if they contract COVID-19. The added stress and inflammation caused by the virus can lead to a significant excess of proteins called cytokines. These proteins normally help the body fight inflammation, but the presence of too many — called a cytokine storm — can potentially cause long-term cardiovascular system damage.
How common is cardiac arrest in COVID-19 patients?
While the relationship between COVID-19 and cardiac arrest is being studied, early research suggests that the risk is significant, especially for people with severe cases. A study published in the European Heart Journal found that among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, individuals with heart disease were more likely to experience life-threatening complications, including cardiac arrest. Another study, published in JAMA Cardiology, found that COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular complications had a significantly higher mortality rate than those without heart issues.
The importance of quick intervention
Given the deadly nature of cardiac arrest, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of someone in cardiac arrest – and to act quickly. Immediate medical intervention, such as CPR and defibrillation, provide the best opportunity to save the life of a cardiac arrest victim.
Healthcare professionals advise people with pre-existing heart conditions or other risk factors — such as obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure — to be especially cautious.
Heart health is essential which includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and controlling conditions like hypertension and diabetes. People with cardiovascular disease should closely follow their healthcare provider’s advice and stay on top of their treatment plans.
At Starting Hearts, we can provide you with specific training that can make a life-saving difference.
Contact us for more information: info@startinghearts.org.
Dr. Aastha Visen is a medical doctor and a professional health and wellness coach based in Toronto, Canada.
