I have a heart condition: what do I do if I test positive for Covid-19?

What's on this page

• What should I do if I test positive for coronavirus or have symptoms of Covid-19?
• How long does Covid-19 last?
• I have tested positive for Covid and I have a heart condition - will I get antiviral drugs?
• Can I take antiviral drugs if I am taking heart medicines?
• If I catch coronavirus, should I still be taking my heart medication?
• How do I treat Covid-19 symptoms?
• What if I have a heart condition and my symptoms are getting worse?

What should I do if I test positive for coronavirus or have symptoms of Covid-19?

If you test positive for coronavirus or have symptoms of Covid-19, the best thing to do is to stay at home and avoid contact with others in order to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. You should avoid being in close contact with people at higher risk from Covid-19. 

If you have been classed as very vulnerable to Covid-19, because of your health condition (if this is the case, you’ll have been sent a letter about treatments, and some tests to use if you get symptoms), it’s important to report your test result. You will then be prescribed antiviral medication that can reduce the risk of you becoming seriously ill.

How long does Covid-19 last?

Most people get better in a few days or weeks. Recovery time does vary between people, and can be affected by age and whether you have existing health issues. Most people make a full recovery within 12 weeks of their first symptoms. 
 
Some people do experience long-term symptoms, even after they’ve recovered from the initial infection. This condition is called ‘long Covid’, and can include ongoing fatigue, breathing difficulties, feeling your heart racing, and aches and pains.

• Read more about long Covid 

I have tested positive for Covid and I have a heart condition - will I get antiviral drugs?

The people who are at highest risk of becoming seriously ill from Covid-19 are being offered antiviral drugs to take if they test positive for Covid, to reduce the risk that they will become very unwell. Generally speaking, having a heart condition does not put you in this group.

For example, you are likely to be eligible for antiviral drugs if you:

• have had an organ transplant
• have a congenital heart condition alongside Down's syndrome
• have an additional condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• are taking medication that affects your immune system
• have had cancer treatment in recent months.

If you are in an eligible group, you should have received a letter explaining what to do, and some Covid tests. If you think you are eligible but haven’t received a letter or tests, call 119 for advice.

• Read the full list of who is eligible for Covid antiviral treatments

Can I take antiviral drugs if I am taking heart medicines?

Some antiviral drugs are not recommended if you are taking certain heart medications, and other common medications.

If you are one of the people who has been identified as eligible for antivirals and you test positive for Covid, the NHS will usually contact you within 24 hours of your test result, either by text, email or phone call.

They'll give you more information, and ask questions to check if this particular treatment is right for you. They should ask what other medicines you take or receive (whether prescribed or which you have bought yourself), so it’s important to have a list of these ready. If you are not asked about your existing medications, make sure you tell them. That way you can be sure you will be given the right antiviral medicine, and appropriate instructions on taking it safely.

If you don’t hear from the NHS, call your GP surgery or call 111. Your GP or 111 will be able to make an urgent referral if needed.

If I catch coronavirus, should I still be taking my heart medication?

Unless your doctor has asked you otherwise, keep taking your heart medication as you usually would. Making any medication changes whilst your body is fighting off coronavirus could worsen your condition.

For example, many people with heart and circulatory diseases take low-dose aspirin in a smaller dose than used as a painkiller. If you catch coronavirus, you should carry on taking it as normal. Stopping aspirin could put you at risk of complications like heart attack or stroke.

The same applies for ACE inhibitors and ARBs. Early in the pandemic, there was concern that these medications could make things worse if you catch Covid-19. But recent research, including a study part-funded by the BHF, has confirmed that there is no evidence for a link between taking this type of medication and developing more severe Covid-19.

If you have had a heart transplant or you are immunosuppressed, it’s equally important to keep taking your immunosuppressants if you are prescribed them.

How do I treat Covid-19 symptoms?

There are some things you can do to make you more comfortable as you recover.

The main things to do are rest and make sure you’re eating and drinking regularly. Soup and warm drinks are great ways to get energy, and avoiding caffeine, sugar and unhealthy foods will help support your body.

You might get some relief from a high temperature if you:

• get lots of sleep and rest
• drink lots of water
• take paracetamol or ibuprofen – while there have been false reports suggesting that ibuprofen could make coronavirus worse. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have found no scientific evidence to support this.

If you have a cough you could:

• elevate your head and shoulders with pillows or sit upright in a chair
• try having a spoon of honey, alone or with hot lemon water (infants under 12 months should not have honey)
• breathe slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth
• spit out phlegm into a tissue and dispose of it immediately

What if I have a heart condition and my symptoms are getting worse?

Things like fever, tiredness and cough can be managed at home with plenty of rest and the suggestions above. However, if you are worried about your breathing call 111.

If you’re having emergency symptoms like sudden chest pain or feeling unable to breathe, and think you may be having a heart attack or stroke you must call 999.

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