The number of Sars-CoV-2 infected in Germany continues to rise. Munich doctors clarify which previous illnesses require increased caution.
- The number of Sars-CoV-2 * infected in Germany continues to increase.
- More than 900 people have been infected with the novel corona virus.
- Munich doctors clarify which previous illnesses require increased caution.
Munich - From harmless runny nose to death - the lung disease Covid-19 can run in very different ways. The experts are only sure of one forecast: The SARS-CoV-2 pathogens will continue to spread . Virologists prayer wheel repeat the encouraging news that about 80 to 85 percent of diseases cause comparatively mild symptoms - similar to a flu infection. However, 15 to 20 percent of the patients end up in the hospital. Older patients with a weakened immune system and previous illnesses are considered particularly at risk . But which previous illness is how bad?
Coronavirus: how dangerous are pre-existing diseases in the heart?
Increased caution, yes, but please don't be overly afraid - the German Heart Foundation warns heart patients in particular against panicking. CEO Professor Dr. Dietrich Andresen: "It cannot be disputed that people with a weakened cardiovascular system have a higher risk of developing a serious disease , but one should not get into these thoughts." The experienced cardiologist and emergency doctor reports that heart attacks can trigger.
On the other hand, it makes sense to still be vaccinated against influenza and pneumococci - at the end of the flu season - to avoid a double infection with flu and corona viruses. Exception: If you already have a cold, you should wait for a vaccination to avoid putting too much strain on the weakened organism. "How risky a corona infection with heart disease can be varies from case to case," emphasizes Prof. Andresen.
Coronavirus and certain heart diseases - how dangerous is the combination?
The cardiac specialist explains some general facts and background information on certain diseases that help with personal risk assessment.
• Heart failure: As with protection against influenza, patients with this disease should pay particular attention to compliance with hygiene rules and avoid crowds of people and especially close physical contact. The background: "Every infection is a major burden for the cardiovascular system," explains Prof. Andresen. “This additional work can overwhelm a weakened heart muscle. Many older people, in particular, lack the strength reserves to counter this extreme strain. ”
• Coronary artery disease (CAD): Even with this coronary artery disease (technical term coronary artery), increased caution is advised . "You can think of the coronaries as fuel lines that supply the heart muscle with fuel, namely oxygen," explains Andresen. “When these gas lines are constricted, the heart muscle becomes undersupplied - and the same problem arises as with heart failure. The organs get too little oxygen - and in extreme cases, when a coronary artery is occluding, this vascular GAU leads to a heart attack . ”
• Atrial fibrillation: About every third person develops this disease in the course of his life - these are chaotic extra beats of the heart. The affected patients have an increased risk of stroke , which is usually kept in check with blood-thinning medications such as ASA, Marcumar or Xarelto. However, an exceptional limitation in cardiac output does not cause atrial fibrillation. "It usually drops by a maximum of ten to 15 percent," says Prof. Andresen. "This comparatively small reduction in performance does not significantly increase the risk of complications in the event of a corona infection."
• Hypertension: This common disease should not be underestimated in connection with corona . Hypertension, as doctors say, is the most common underlying condition for heart failure. “That is why hypertension patients should take special care in corona times that their blood pressure is well adjusted. It is very important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and not to change the dosage on your own, ”emphasizes Prof. Andresen.
• Heart muscle inflammation: Although this can be caused by viruses and can cause the most serious damage, including acute heart failure . "But so far it has not been proven that the coronavirus causes such so-called myocardia," reports Prof. Andresen.
Coronavirus: How high is the risk for cancer patients
"So far there have been no reports of an increased disease rate in cancer patients, " reports the German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology. However, she names special risk groups. These include, among others, patients with leukemia or lymphoma, leukocytopenia (low number of white blood cells), low immunoglobulin values, long-term immunosuppression, for example with antibody therapy, and patients who have received a stem cell transplant.
Coronavirus: is there an increased risk for people with diabetes?
"Since the viral disease is mild in most cases, we do n't see people with diabetes any more than with a conventional flu virus," explains the President of the German Diabetes Society (DDG), Professor Dr. Monika Kellerer. She recommends people with diabetes to have stable blood sugar settings. This minimizes the risk of infection. Patients with diabetic comorbidities and complications in organs such as the heart, kidneys or liver should avoid high risk of infection - for example, large crowds.
Even if they are actually infected with the corona viruses, diabetes patients can and should arm themselves. "A good blood sugar setting is extremely helpful for the course of the disease in the event of an infection," explains the DDG. "We believe that a balanced metabolism can reduce the risk of complications."
Coronavirus: are lung diseases a risk factor?
COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis and other chronic lung diseases: "With such diseases, the local defense in the lungs is weakened, " explains Professor Dr. Jürgen Behr, Director of the Medical Clinic and Polyclinic V at the Clinic of the University of Munich and Medical Director of the Asklepios Specialist Clinics in Gauting. More specifically, the barrier function of the bronchi is restricted. "This makes it easier for pathogens to nest in the lungs and spread in the body," explains Professor Behr.
The biggest problem: If the lungs are damaged , the risk of pneumonia or even acute lung failure increases significantly . The latter is particularly dangerous. "Unfortunately, 40 to 50 percent do not survive this emergency," says Professor Behr. If you regularly take a cigarette, you have a higher risk that the disease will be more severe. "Smokers seem to be more at risk than non-smokers," confirms Prof. Behr.
Coronavirus: Is the Risk Increased in Stroke Patients?
Patients who suffer from restricted movement due to a stroke or are even bedridden have an increased risk of complications after a corona infection . "Among other things, because the ventilation of their lungs works poorly due to the restricted mobility," explains the internist Dr. Karlheinz Zeilberger.
Also read about the corona virus:
German dies for the first time from Sars-CoV-2 - number of infected people increases
Coronavirus in Upper Bavaria: the situation in the region
"Anne Will" on the corona virus - "How justified is the fear?"
* Merkur.de belongs to the Germany-wide Ippen-Digital editors network
Rubric list image: © AFP / LAURENT EMMANUEL
