How to Stay Healthy and Manage Stress If You Have a Heart Rhythm Disorder

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that is caused by a new type of Coronavirus.¹

The spread of COVID-19 has been stressful, and patients with heart rhythm disorder may face additional challenges during a pandemic or public health emergency. This guide was developed to help patients, their families, and caregivers better understand the impact of COVID-19 on those with heart rhythm disorders.

How Is COVID-19 Spread?

COVID-19 is spread from person to person through droplets in the air (eg, when someone coughs or sneezes) or by touching a surface contaminated with the virus. COVID-19 can cause symptoms such as fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.¹ Symptoms occur on average about 5 days after exposure, however, not all people infected with the virus will have symptoms (asymptomatic).

Patients With Heart Rhythm Disorders

Having a heart rhythm disorder does not increase your risk of catching the virus.² If you test positive for COVID-19, talk to your cardiologist about how the virus may impact your heart condition.

Steps you can take to protect yourself from the virus:

• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

• Frequently wash your hands with soap and use hand sanitizer.

• Practice social distancing by maintaining a 6-foot distance from others.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces, like your desk, phone, and countertops.

• Avoid large crowds of people and travel.

• Wear a mask or cloth face covering in public.

Stay Connected to Your Health Care Team With Virtual Appointments and Remote Monitoring

Virtual appointments are a great way to connect with your cardiology providers from the comfort and safety of your own home. Prepare for these visits by keeping a log of your weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and any symptoms you have experienced since your last appointment.

If you have a defibrillator, pacemaker, or implanted cardiac monitor, you may have a remote monitoring system in your home. A remote monitor collects information from your cardiac device (eg, heart rate, heart rhythm, device function) and sends it to your cardiac care team at regularly scheduled times. This allows your health care team to continuously monitor your device and heart rhythm during the pandemic from the comfort of your home. Remote monitoring does not turn your cardiac device on/off and it is not an emergency medical alert system—it will not call 911 during a health emergency.

Psychological Responses to COVID-19

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations, and it is normal to feel anxious, angry, or sad about COVID-19. Other people may experience intense worry, grief, hopelessness, loneliness, changes in eating and sleeping habits, and trouble focusing or making decisions. It is important to recognize these changes and get help when needed. If symptoms last for 2 or more weeks or lead to problems at home, work, and in relationships, ask your care team for a referral to speak with a psychologist or a licensed mental health professional.

Strategies to Stay Healthy and Manage Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Below is a list of strategies to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage stress during the outbreak of COVID-19. Additional resources and a list of frequently asked questions and responses are provided in the Table.

Table.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

1. Get the facts. Knowledge is power! Get information from reliable sources—not social media.

2. Information control. Constant news about the pandemic can cause fear and anxiety. Take breaks from social media or listening to news stories.

3. Know the symptoms of your heart condition and when to contact your medical team. If you have new or worsening heart symptoms, your provider may want you to be seen in person. Hospitals and clinics are taking extra steps to protect your health during in-person visits, such as scheduling additional time between appointments to limit contact with other patients, requiring masks, and allowing you to stay in your car until they are ready to take you directly to an exam room.

   • Call 911 immediately if you think you are having a heart attack or stroke.

   • Symptoms of a heart attack may include the following: chest pain, difficulty breathing, discomfort in your back, jaw, or chest.

   • Symptoms of a stroke may include the following: numbness, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm or leg, loss of balance, and difficulty with speaking or understanding others.

4. Manage your medications. In times of stress, it can be easy to forget to take your medications. Write out a medication schedule or use a smartphone app or pillbox.

5. Take care of your body. Get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs. Try to limit caffeine, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages.

6. Be active at home. Staying active is important for your heart and can improve your mood. Find ways to be more active around the house by combining exercise with other activities. Put the screens down, turn off your television, and take a walk outside.

7. Relax and recharge. Schedule time to unwind. Try relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and guided imagery.

8. Focus on what you can control. Changes to daily routines, fear, uncertainty, and isolation can make your life feel out of control and make it unclear what to do. Take charge of your life by focusing on the things in your life that you can control.

9. Connect with others. Talking to family and friends on the phone, texting or chatting online allows you to share feelings and can help relieve stress.

10. Caregivers—take care of you. Protecting your loved one from infection starts by taking care of your own health. You will take better care of the people you love when your own needs are met.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 outbreak and the resulting changes in the daily lives of everyone have been stressful. This patient page provides strategies and guidance for maintaining your physical and emotional wellness. Remember that you are not alone—this pandemic will pass, and we will get through this together.

Sources of Funding

This manuscript was supported by a grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health to Dr Rosman (K23HL141644).

Disclosures

None.