How does COVID-19 affect the heart?

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, most commonly affects the lungs but It can also lead to serious heart problems.

Lung damage caused by the virus prevents oxygen from reaching the heart muscle, which in turn damages the heart tissue and prevents it from getting oxygen to other tissues.

In addition, the body responds to the virus by creating inflammation, which is usually a appropriate reaction when it is fighting a virus. In some people with COVID-19, however, the inflammation seems to go into overdrive. Too much inflammation may further damage the heart or disrupt the electrical signals that help it to beat properly, which can reduce its pumping ability or lead to abnormal heart rhythms, called arrhythmia, or make an existing arrhythmia worse.

In children and teens, a high level of inflammation is called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), and it can particularly affect the heart.

The virus may also affect heart cells. Researchers are working to understand if and how much this contributes to the heart damage seen in people with COVID-19. Some people who are seriously ill with COVID-19 form many small blood clots throughout the body including in the heart, which can also cause damage. Researchers think that too much inflammation may be causing the clots to form. 

What health conditions may affect how COVID-19 affects the heart?

Some chronic health conditions may affect how COVID-19 affects your heart. These include:

Visit CDC’s page on higher risk groups for more information on existing medical conditions and COVID-19. 

What can I do to keep myself and others safe?

Participate in a study

This searchable database shows federally and privately supported clinical trials studying COVID-19 in the United States and around the world.

Participate in a RECOVER study

RECOVER is a research project that aims to learn about the long-term health effects of COVID. They need to learn how COVID affects all people, including adults, pregnant people, and children. You can participate whether you have COVID now, had COVID before, or never had COVID.

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can protect you from COVID-19. Wearing a mask indoors, washing your hands often, and staying at least 6 feet from other people can also help protect you and possibly prevent spreading the virus to others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides up-to-date information on how to protect yourself and others.

In addition, consider:
•    Find COVID-19 treatment information from the Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response.
•    See all COVID-19 clinical studies.

Be sure to check these additional COVID-19 information sources from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
•    COVID 19 information from NIH
•    COVID 19 information from the CDC