Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease, which affects the blood flow to the heart. Decreased blood flow can cause a heart attack.
Serious heart conditions, including heart failure, coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, cardimyopathies, and pulmonary hypertension, may put people at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Like other viral illnesses, COVID-19 can damage the respiratory system and make it harder for your heart to work. For people with heart failure and other serious heart conditions, this can lead to a worsening of COVID-19 symptoms. Visit the American Heart Association's page on heart disease and COVID-19.
Actions to take:
- Take your medication exactly as prescribed;
- Make sure that you have at least a two-week supply of your heart disease medications;
- If you have hypertension, continue to monitor and control your blood pressure and take medication as directed.