Heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure are so common that most people likely know someone who has at least one of these conditions. And scientists have now crunched the numbers to show which of these underlying health conditions could be most fatal for people infected with the new coronavirus (COVID-19).
The virus tears apart lungs, but experts say people with heart disease and diabetes have more reasons to be alert. The reason: according to a study, the death rate -- known as the case fatality rate -- was highest among people who had cardiovascular disease (CVD) as a preexisting medical condition at 10.5%. This is followed by those with diabetes 7.3%, 6.3% for chronic respiratory disease, 6.0% for hypertension, and 5.6% for cancer, say researchers in their findings published in JAMA.
Why these numbers are particularly worrisome for the US is because 6 in 10 Americans adults have a chronic disease, while 4 IN 10 adults in the US have two or more.
As of March 16, over 1,770 cases have been reported in the US, and 69 have died. Globally, over 6,500 have died, and 169,385 have fallen sick.
Previous studies have shown that the elderly, especially those with underlying medical conditions, are at the highest risk if they get infected with COVID-19.
According to a study published by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention -- which analyzed 72,314 cases till February 11 -- those who are 80 and above had the highest case fatality rate of all age groups at 14.8%. The next age group impacted are patients 70-79 years, for whom the case-fatality rate was 8.
The overall case-fatality rate (CFR) was 2.3% (1,023 deaths among 44,672 confirmed cases). No deaths occurred in the group aged 9 years and younger, but cases in those aged 70 to 79 years had an 8.0% CFR and cases in those aged 80 years and older had a 14.8% CFR, says the study.
This seems to be a disease that affects adults, and most seriously older adults, says the US CDC. Starting at age 60, there is an increasing risk of disease and the risk increases with age. The highest risk of serious illness and death is in people older than 80 years. People with serious underlying health conditions also are more likely to develop serious outcomes including death. The people who are at greatest risk are those older and who also have serious long-term health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease, says the US CDC.
The agency has also issued guidelines for people who are at higher risk for serious illness. It asks people who are and/or have underlying illnesses, to avoid large crowds, mass gathering because those are places where, in general, there is lots of transmission of respiratory diseases.
According to the American Heart Association, based on early reports, 40% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients had cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease (which refers to blood flow in the brain, such as stroke).
Orly Vardeny, associate professor of medicine at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System and the University of Minnesota explains that the numbers do not mean people with heart disease are more likely to contract the coronavirus. "It just means that those folks are more likely to have complications once they do get it," she says.
In another study, researchers studied adult patients, who were hospitalized in Jinyintan Hospital and Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital with COVID-19 before January 31. The study, published in The Lancet, included 191 inpatients (135 from Jinyintan Hospital and 56 from Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital) in the final analysis. The study shows that 54 patients died during hospitalization and 137 were discharged.
The experts found that comorbidities were present in nearly half of patients, with hypertension being the most common comorbidity, followed by diabetes and coronary heart disease.
91 (48%) patients had a comorbidity, with hypertension being the most common (58 patients), followed by diabetes (36 patients) and coronary heart disease (15 patients), says the study.
The analysis shows that among patients who had coronary heart disease (15 or 8%), 13 (24%) died and 2 (1%) survived. Similarly, among diabetic people (36 or 19%), 17 (31%) people died and 19 (14%) survived. Among those who had hypertension as a preexisting condition (58 or 30%, 26 (48%) passed away and 32 (23%) survived.
Patients with underlying medical conditions are more likely to suffer severe illness and even die because their immune systems are weaker. And people with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to respiratory infections, say experts. A 2018 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that within seven days of a flu diagnosis, people were six times more likely to have a heart attack.
Patients with cardiovascular disease are especially vulnerable to respiratory infections, although uncertainty remains on just what damage COVID-19, caused by the coronavirus, can do in these patients. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is steadfast in its reminder that viral respiratory infections can have a greater effect on patients with cardiac issues, especially in light of the flu and coronavirus spreads, say experts from the American Journal of Managed Care.
Vardeny explains that the virus could affect heart disease patients in several ways. In many patients with COVID-19, the lungs are unable to receive enough oxygen, which could impact other organs.
The virus's main target is the lungs. But that could affect the heart, especially a diseased heart, which has to work harder to get oxygenated blood throughout the body. In general, you can think of it as something that is taxing the system as a whole," she says. This could exacerbate problems for someone with heart failure, where the heart is already having problems pumping efficiently.
Someone with an underlying heart issue might also have a less robust immune system. People's immune systems weaken as they age. And in those with chronic medical conditions, the body's immune response is not as strong a response when exposed to viruses, says Vardeny.
For people with underlying heart issues, the concerns are so serious that the American College of Cardiology (ACC) issued a bulletin in February to warn patients about the potential increased risk and to encourage additional, reasonable precautions. It recommends people with CVD to remain current with vaccinations, and says such patients should be vaccinated against influenza.
According to experts from the International Diabetes Federation, when people with diabetes develop a viral infection, it can be harder to treat due to fluctuations in blood glucose levels and, possibly, the presence of diabetes complications.
There appear to be two reasons for this. Firstly, the immune system is compromised, making it harder to fight the virus and likely leading to a longer recovery period. Secondly, the virus may thrive in an environment of elevated blood glucose, says the Federation.
The American Diabetes Association explains that in general, people with diabetes are more likely to experience severe symptoms and complications when infected with a virus. The experts say there is currently no reason to believe thatCOVID-19 will pose a difference in risk between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The problem people with diabetes face is primarily a problem of worse outcomes, not greater chance of contracting the virus. In China, where most cases have occurred so far, people with diabetes had much higher rates of serious complications and death than people without diabetes, it says.
The ACC recommends that it is reasonable to triage COVID-19 patients according to underlying cardiovascular, diabetic, respiratory, renal, oncological, or other comorbid conditions for prioritized treatment.
Follow this link:
Coronavirus pandemic: People with heart disease, diabetes have worst outcomes, should remain alert - MEAWW
- Home Remedies For Coronary Heart Disease - May 16th, 2018 [May 16th, 2018]
- Heart Disease in Women | National Heart, Lung, and Blood ... - October 17th, 2018 [October 17th, 2018]
- Home Remedies For Coronary Heart Disease | Speedy Remedies - December 26th, 2018 [December 26th, 2018]
- Coronary Heart Disease: Symptoms + Natural Remedies - Dr. Axe - December 26th, 2018 [December 26th, 2018]
- Coronary artery disease - Wikipedia - December 26th, 2018 [December 26th, 2018]
- Journal of Coronary Heart Diseases- Open Access Journals - February 20th, 2019 [February 20th, 2019]
- Heart Conferences | Heart Congress 2019 | Heart Failure ... - April 8th, 2019 [April 8th, 2019]
- Cardiac MRI Testing Market to Develop Rapidly by 2018 2026 - The Market Plan - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- The Global C Reactive Protein Test Market To Progress At Cagr Between 2017 2025 - Zebvo - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Ventricular Assist Devices Market Progresses for Huge Profits During 2016 2024 - NewsVarsity - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Can you still be healthy if you're overweight? - Health24 - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Cardiogenic Shock Market Detailed Study Analysis with Forecast by 2025 - Analytics News - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Fractional Flow Reserve Market Projections Analysis 2019-2027 - Rapid News Network - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Self-expandable Stents Market : Advancements and Efficient Clinical Outcomes would Drive the Industry Growth with Top Key Player's Analysis -... - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Chronic Heart Failure Market: Study Provides In-depth Analysis of Chronic Heart Failure Market along with the Current Trends and Future Estimations... - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Nuclear Cardiology Market to Surge at a Robust Pace in Terms of Revenue Over 2015 2021 - Analytics News - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Global Cardiovascular Drugs Market Industry Analysis and Forecast (2018-2026) - NewsStoner - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Bare-metal Stents Market : Segmentation and Company Analysis to 2027 - Market Forecast - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Insomnia is Linked to Increased Risk for Heart Disease - Live Trading News - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Five Concrete Medical Reasons Why You Should Embrace Yoga - VIVA GLAM MAGAZINE - vivaglammagazine.com - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Carotid Stenting Systems Market Poised to Garner Maximum Revenues During 2018 to 2028 - SocioHerald - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Carotid Stents Market : Segmentation, Industry Trends and Development to 2026 - NewsStoner - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- New report shares details about the Carotid Stents Market - Commerce Gazette - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Drug-Eluting Balloons Market to Garner Brimming Revenues by 2015 2021 - Analytics News - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Is Diet Soda Actually Killing You, Though? - Self - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Anti-angina Drugs Market to Witness Growth Acceleration During 2018 2026 - Wolf Mirror - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Anti Angina Drugs Market Sentiment Indicators Evaluation by 2018 2026 - Lake Shore Gazette - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Coronary Atherectomy Devices Market : Opportunities and Forecast Assessment, 2019-2027 - RedfoxInfo - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Combined Angiography Market to Witness Comprehensive Growth by 2016 2024 - NewsVarsity - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Seven home remedies to stop hiccups - Daily Sabah - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Resverlogix To Release Phase 3 Clinical Trial Data On A First-In-Class BET Bromodomain Inhibitor - Seeking Alpha - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Women with high blood pressure in pregnancy at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disorders - Independent.ie - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- AI is Better at Foretelling Risk of Heart Attack - Healthcare Tech Outlook - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- High blood pressure in pregnancy increases risk of future heart disease study - The Irish Times - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- 30 Years of Research Shows Sauna Bathing is Game-Changer for Longevity and Heart Disease - Good News Network - September 24th, 2019 [September 24th, 2019]
- Coronary Artery Imaging Market Set to Witness an Uptick during 2017 2025 - Space Market Research - September 29th, 2019 [September 29th, 2019]
- Interventional Cardiology Devices Market Gain Impetus due to the Growing Demand over 2025 - Space Market Research - September 29th, 2019 [September 29th, 2019]
- High Pesticide Exposure Associated With Increased CAD and Stroke Risk - MedicalResearch.com - September 29th, 2019 [September 29th, 2019]
- The longevity files: A strong grip? Push-ups? Here's what actually can help you live to a ripe old age. - Bowling Green Daily News - September 29th, 2019 [September 29th, 2019]
- Heres what actually can help you live to a ripe old age - Pratt Tribune - September 29th, 2019 [September 29th, 2019]
- Pakistan at high risk of coronary heart diseases - The Nation - September 29th, 2019 [September 29th, 2019]
- Heart attack linked to air pollution - The Hindu - September 29th, 2019 [September 29th, 2019]
- The Weighty Cost of Diabetes - American Council on Science and Health - October 9th, 2019 [October 9th, 2019]
- Push-ups? Here's what can really help you live to a ripe old age - The Australian Financial Review - October 9th, 2019 [October 9th, 2019]
- Red meat study caused a stir here's what wasn't discussed - The Conversation UK - October 9th, 2019 [October 9th, 2019]
- I market, by application, is dominated by the cardiology segment, due to the vast population using various CVD drugs. This segment is projected to... - October 9th, 2019 [October 9th, 2019]
- At the heart of health!- The importance of a healthy heart for a healthy life - OyeYeah News - October 14th, 2019 [October 14th, 2019]
- Interventional Cardiology Devices Market Size 2019 Industry Analysis by Types, Applications, Key Players, and leading Countries Forecast to 2024 -... - October 14th, 2019 [October 14th, 2019]
- Angioplasty Balloons Market: Increasing Prevalence of Coronary Artery Disease to Drive the Market - Online News Guru - October 14th, 2019 [October 14th, 2019]
- Valvular Heart Disease Treatment Market: Information, Figures and Analytical Insights, 2019 2027 - Online News Guru - October 14th, 2019 [October 14th, 2019]
- More About The Dangers And Diseases Of Vaping - Star2.com - October 14th, 2019 [October 14th, 2019]
- Heart attack: The sign in your mouth that could increase your risk - Express - October 14th, 2019 [October 14th, 2019]
- Global Fractional Flow Reserve Market Industry Analysis and Forecast (2018-2026) - Markets Gazette - October 16th, 2019 [October 16th, 2019]
- Biologic Therapeutics Market Segmentation Detailed Study with Forecast to 2025 - Online News Guru - October 16th, 2019 [October 16th, 2019]
- Interventional Cardiology Devices Market Global industry analysis and forecast (2018-2026) - Markets Gazette - October 16th, 2019 [October 16th, 2019]
- Peanut Butter: Benefits and facts about the tasty food item - Republic World - Republic World - October 16th, 2019 [October 16th, 2019]
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Market Global Industry Analysis and Forecast (2018-2026) - Science Examiner - October 16th, 2019 [October 16th, 2019]
- Fewer deaths in winter 2018-19 - Scottish Government News - October 16th, 2019 [October 16th, 2019]
- How to live longer: These three drinks may extend your lifespan - Express - October 16th, 2019 [October 16th, 2019]
- The Europe mobile cardiac telemetry systems market is expected to reach US$ 477,845.5 Mn in 2027 from US$ 167,462.4 Mn in 2018 - Yahoo Finance - October 16th, 2019 [October 16th, 2019]
- You Docs: Getting to the meat of the matter on the matter of meat - Roanoke Times - October 16th, 2019 [October 16th, 2019]
- Tips to manage heart diseases: Heres what you should know - The Indian Express - October 16th, 2019 [October 16th, 2019]
- Do You Think Heart Attacks Only Strike The Old? - Star2.com - October 16th, 2019 [October 16th, 2019]
- Diagnostic Radiopharmaceuticals & Contrast Media Market 2019 | Remarkable Growth Factors with Industry Size & Share, New Innovations of... - October 28th, 2019 [October 28th, 2019]
- Interventional Cardiology Devices Market Report Extensive Analysis 2019 | Specified by Production, Technology, Competition, and Revenue Forecast till... - October 28th, 2019 [October 28th, 2019]
- Shaq Promotes Heart Health at Spirit of the Heart Gala - Lasentinel - October 28th, 2019 [October 28th, 2019]
- Obesity Exacerbates Many Causes of Death, But Risks are Different for Men and Women - University Herald - October 28th, 2019 [October 28th, 2019]
- Sales Revenue of MR Conditional Pacemaker Devices Market to Soar in the Near Future Owing to Growing Consumer Adoption - Lake Shore Gazette - October 29th, 2019 [October 29th, 2019]
- World Stroke Day 2019: Stroke risk may be higher in youth owing to sedentary lifestyle - The Indian Express - October 29th, 2019 [October 29th, 2019]
- Women and men at risk of different obesity-related conditions - Medical News Today - October 29th, 2019 [October 29th, 2019]
- University Hospitals Designs the Cardiovascular Center of the Future | - Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiology - October 29th, 2019 [October 29th, 2019]
- Technological Innovations to Boost the Interventional Cardiology Devices Market - Press Release - Digital Journal - November 16th, 2019 [November 16th, 2019]
- On World Diabetes Day, here are a few tips to maintain a healthy heart - Mid-day - November 16th, 2019 [November 16th, 2019]
- Start the path to a healthier lifestyle by participating in Great American Smoke Out challenge - KRQE News 13 - November 16th, 2019 [November 16th, 2019]
- Multi-Center Clinical Study Demonstrates HeartTrends Improves Early Detection for Heart Disease in Healthy Individuals Cardiology2.0 - Cardiology2.0 - November 16th, 2019 [November 16th, 2019]
- Health benefits of tobacco cessation - SCNow - November 16th, 2019 [November 16th, 2019]
- Caladrius Biosciences Reports Positive Results for CLBS16 from the ESCaPE-CMD Trial at American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2019 -... - November 16th, 2019 [November 16th, 2019]
- Subgroup Analysis of TWILIGHT Trial Patients With Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome (NSTE-ACS) Who Underwent PCI Showed BRILINTA Monotherapy... - November 19th, 2019 [November 19th, 2019]
- Bengaluru-origin cardiologist performs path-breaking heart surgery in US - The New Indian Express - November 19th, 2019 [November 19th, 2019]
- Structural Heart Devices Market Understanding the Key Product Segments and their Future - Guru Online News - November 19th, 2019 [November 19th, 2019]