NCD Watch

Heart Health and COVID-19

27 Sep 2021 (Mon)

The World Heart Day initiated by the World Heart Federation is celebrated on 29th September every year. In the time of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking care of the heart is more important than ever before. So the theme this year is USE ❤ TO CONNECT WITH YOUR ❤.

Heart disease and COVID-19 are closely connected and act synergistically on morbidity and mortality. Studies show that pre-existing heart disease is a prominent risk factor for severe COVID-19 and death. In patients with COVID-19, those with coronary heart disease were 3.2 times, 2.3 times, and 3.8 times as likely to become seriously ill, be admitted to intensive care unit, and die compared with those without coronary heart disease respectively.

In Hong Kong, heart disease is a significant public health issue that more and more people are living with heart disease. In 2020, there were 6561 registered deaths due to heart disease. While some risk factors of heart disease are non-modifiable (such as advancing age and family history of heart disease), territory-wide household surveys conducted by the Department of Health (DH) observed that major modifiable risk factors associated with heart disease (such as smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and unhealthy eating, etc.) were prevalent among the Hong Kong general population.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the best way of protecting the heart is by leading a healthy lifestyle. The DH appeals to members of the public to protect their heart by not smoking, eating a healthy diet, being physically active, and refraining from alcohol use, for maintaining an optimal body weight and waistline, as well as optimising the levels of blood pressure, blood lipid and blood glucose. Members of the public can also use digital tools, like Quit Smoking Mobile App and “EatSmart Restaurant Star+” Mobile App developed by the DH and wearables (e.g. step counter), to get motivated and stay on track.

Equally important, as the benefit of COVID-19 vaccination generally exceeds the risk, unless there is contraindication, individuals with stable chronic conditions should get vaccinated for protection as soon as possible.

Source: NCD Watch September 2021