Oklahoma Doctor Warns Of Lingering Heart Issues In COVID Patients

A metro doctor warns COVID may have a lasting impact on the health of your heart. Even for people who were perfectly healthy before their infections.

“I would say the last week alone I've seen 20 to 30 people who had COVID in the last 3 to 6 months about potential long term COVID issues,” said Dr. Marcus Smith of the Cardio-Vascular Health Clinic.

Smith said the symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, even blood clots. All are potential indications of compromised heart health.

Smith is also seeing COVID survivors with Myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle.

Last fall, college conferences expressed fears of players with Myocarditis after COVID, suffering from heart attacks on the field.

“I've got athletes that I'm seeing right now. We are telling them if they had Myocarditis- or symptoms of it, we are telling them to sit out of sports for 3 to 6 months,” added Smith.

He believes a COVID diagnosis may become known as a preexisting condition in the medical world.

He wants COVID survivors to listen to their bodies, especially when they believe they are on the mend.

“The challenge ahead of us it that it can happen to young healthy people. A lot of times if things aren't on the radar, you don't even think that it's a problem,” said Smith.