Does covid-19 affect the heart?

Answered by Dr. Howard E. LeWine

M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA

During an active infection of COVID-19 and for the year following, people have a higher than expected risk of heart problems, including inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure. More studies will be needed to better understand why this happens and who is most vulnerable.

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What are new symptoms to watch out for in COVID?

Answered by Dr. Howard E. LeWine

M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA

Symptoms from COVID-19 infection vary widely. Many people who test positive for COVID have no symptoms. The newer strains of COVID tend to cause less severe symptoms, especially in those who have been vaccinated against the virus. Symptoms similar to colds and bronchitis are common. Compared to other viral respiratory infections, COVID frequently causes loss of smell.

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