COVID-19 is a viral illness that can affect the heart and blood vessels. Some people recover without heart problems. Others notice chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, swelling, dizziness, or a reduced ability to exercise during or after the illness, especially if they already have heart disease. If you have these symptoms, a cardiology evaluation can help us look for a cardiac cause and recommend a plan. Signet Heart Group sees patients in Sherman, Durant, Anna, and Dallas.
How COVID-19 Can Affect the Heart
In some people, COVID-19 has been associated with inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) or the lining around the heart (pericarditis), heart rhythm problems, blood clots, strain on the heart from lung disease, or worsening of existing conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, or hypertension. These effects are not inevitable, and they vary from person to person. This overview is educational and is not a diagnosis. Only an evaluation of your history, examination, and tests can determine whether your symptoms are related to the heart.
When to Seek Care
Seek emergency care for severe chest pain or pressure, sudden shortness of breath, fainting, signs of a stroke (sudden weakness, trouble speaking, or facial droop), or other symptoms that feel life-threatening. Contact our office if you have milder but persistent symptoms after COVID-19 - such as ongoing chest discomfort, palpitations, unusual fatigue with activity, swelling, or dizziness - or if your usual heart symptoms have changed. If you already receive care here, let us know that you have had COVID-19 so we can decide whether your plan should be updated.
How We Evaluate Your Heart
Your visit starts with a conversation about your symptoms, the timing of your illness, your history, and your medications, followed by an examination. Depending on your situation, we may recommend testing available through our practice, such as an electrocardiogram, a transthoracic echocardiogram, a Holter monitor, a treadmill or nuclear stress test, or blood work. Not every person needs every test. We choose studies that will help answer the question at hand.
We are a cardiology practice. We do not provide COVID-19 testing or primary treatment of the infection itself. Our role is to evaluate and treat heart and vascular concerns that may arise during or after the illness, and to continue care for your existing cardiac conditions.
Care After the Evaluation
If we find a heart problem, we will discuss treatment options that fit your diagnosis, which may include medication, monitoring, further testing, or procedures already offered by our team when they are appropriate. If the evaluation is reassuring, we will say so and talk with you about returning to activity. If a condition is better managed by another specialist, we will recommend a referral. If you already have heart disease or a device, continuing regular follow-up remains important; bring an updated medication list and any hospital records to your visit.
Why Choose Signet Heart Group
- A full cardiology evaluation, not a single test: We look at your symptoms, examination, and the studies that will actually help, rather than ordering a fixed package of tests.
- Testing we already provide: Echocardiography, stress testing, and rhythm monitoring can be used when they are appropriate after COVID-19.
- Care for existing heart disease: If you already see us, we can fold this evaluation into your current plan.
- Offices close to home: We see patients in Sherman, Durant, Anna, and Dallas.
COVID-19 and the Heart FAQs
Can COVID-19 damage the heart?
It can, in some people. Possible effects include heart inflammation, rhythm problems, blood clots, and worsening of existing heart disease. Many people recover without a lasting cardiac problem. If you have symptoms that concern you, it is reasonable to have them evaluated.
What symptoms should prompt a cardiology visit after COVID-19?
Contact us for chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath that is new or worse, palpitations, fainting or near-fainting, swelling, or a lasting drop in your exercise tolerance. Seek emergency care for severe or sudden symptoms. Lingering symptoms are a sufficient reason to call, even if the infection itself was mild.
What tests might I need?
The tests depend on your symptoms and history. An electrocardiogram and echocardiogram are often used first. A monitor to record your rhythm, a stress test, or other studies may be added when they will help. We will explain any test we recommend before it is done.
I already have heart disease. Should I be seen after a COVID-19 infection?
Yes, let your cardiology team know, especially if your symptoms have changed, you were hospitalized, or you have a pacemaker or defibrillator. We can decide whether an earlier visit or additional testing is needed.
Do you provide COVID-19 testing or vaccines?
No. Signet Heart Group is a cardiology practice. For testing, vaccination, or treatment of the infection itself, please contact your primary care clinician. We focus on your heart and vascular health during and after the illness.
Request an Appointment
If you have heart symptoms during or after COVID-19, or if you have existing heart disease and want to review your plan, please call to schedule a visit or request an appointment online. We see patients at 2800 North Highway 75, Sherman, TX 75090; 1727 Chuckwa Drive, Suite 100, Durant, OK 74701; 450 N Standridge Blvd, Suite 104, Anna, TX 75409; and 9440 Poppy Dr, Dallas, TX 75218. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
