Cardiomyopathy and COVID | Cardiomyopathy UK

I think I have COVID-19, what shall I do?

We recommend visiting the UK government website here for full information: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Should I take the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Cardiomyopathy UK strongly encourages people with cardiomyopathy to accept the COVID-19 vaccination if offered.

Which vaccine should I have?

At this stage there is no evidence that one type of COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Oxford) is better or worse for people with cardiomyopathy. The charity encourages anyone to accept the vaccine that you are offered.

Do any other cardiac medications cause harm?

We do not have any data to show that any cardiac medication makes you more likely to be infected with COVID-19 or that they make the infection worse. You should continue with your medical therapy as advised and stopping them may cause harm.

What is shielding and am I in this most vulnerable category?

At the start of the "lockdown," the Government published a list of underlying health conditions that would make an individual especially vulnerable should they be infected with coronavirus (COVID-19). People with these conditions have been contacted by the NHS and advised to take measures to shield themselves from the rest of society to reduce their chance of exposure to and contraction of the COVID-19. Advice for this group of individuals was updated in June and can be found here (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/people-at-higher-risk/advice-for-people-at-high-risk/)

Cardiomyopathy and myocarditis are not listed as one of the underlying health conditions except for when an individual with these conditions is pregnant. Read more here: (Guidance on shielding - Gov UK)

Although people with cardiomyopathy or myocarditis are not considered to be especially vulnerable (unless they are pregnant or also have any of the other underlying conditions listed by the Government) it is still important that people with these conditions follow the advice for “vulnerable” people.

I have had Myocarditis previously, am I at an increased risk?

At this stage we have insufficient evidence to say that there is an increased risk of myocarditis recurrence following infection with COVID-19. We recommend that you follow current advice from NHSE and PHE on social distancing measures.

Should I avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen?

There is currently no good evidence that taking ibuprofen makes COVID-19 infection worse.

Nevertheless, until we have more information, take paracetamol to treat the symptoms of Coronavirus, unless your doctor has told you that paracetamol is not suitable for you.

If you are already taking ibuprofen or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) on the advice of a doctor, do not stop taking it without checking first.

I take an ACE inhibitor (e.g. Ramipril, enalapril) / angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) (e.g. Candesartan, losartan); should I stop?

There is no evidence to support the suggestion that ACE inhibitors and ARBs cause harm in context of the coronavirus. In accordance with international guidance, we recommend that patients should continue with their usual therapy including ACE inhibitors and ARBs. Abrupt withdrawal of these medications may be dangerous or may complicate an underlying heart condition.

I am taking immunosuppressant medications (e.g. Prednisolone) for the management of my cardiomyopathy, should I stop?

Individuals taking immunosuppression may be at increased risk of severe illness should they contract the coronavirus (COVID – 19). However, discontinuation of immunosuppression is potentially dangerous. In individual cases, your consultant may adjust your dose if it is appropriate to do so. We recommend that you follow current advice from NHSE and PHE strictly on social distancing measures.