The world has already felt the severity of the coronavirus. Having spread from China across the globe, the virus is now the most feared name on earth, and extensive research is under way on the pandemic.

According to research, people with heart problems are being told to take extra care, because the virus can do them more harm than people without heart problems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those at higher risk of falling ill, such as people older than 60, that is, aged 80 or more, and people with heart and lung disease, are more at risk of infection with the virus. Researchers have noted that patients with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or cancer also face a higher risk of death from Covid-19.

Health experts and researchers say heart patients should take extra care during Covid-19. They should lead a healthy life, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, exercise regularly (indoors) and sleep 7 to 8 hours. This will improve your immunity and help protect you against any infection.

According to the American College of Cardiology, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease has been found in 40 percent of Covid-19 patients admitted to hospital. Heart patients should follow these steps to prevent infection:

• Avoid people who are ill.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Wash your hands well with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your nose when you sneeze.
• Cover your mouth when you cough.
• Clean the surfaces you touch with disinfectant to remove the virus.
• Heart patients should avoid gatherings and travel.
• Heart patients should keep their vaccinations up to date, such as those for pneumonia and flu.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.