## What are the risks? After experiencing [COVID-19](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarydisease?id=221), even people who have not previously had heart problems may feel tachycardia (irregular heartbeat), shortness of breath, or weakness. [Potassium](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=180) levels in the body decrease, leading to the development of arrhythmias and [hypertension](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarydisease?id=173). Tachycardia usually goes away in 1–2 months, but can sometimes lead to complications such as myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining surrounding the heart). Myocarditis most often occurs a few weeks after the illness. Additionally, COVID-19 causes ===blood vessels to clot and spasm, makes blood vessels more permeable, and damages the lining of the heart vessels. The risk of myocardial infarction and angina also increases. Hypoxia (lack of oxygen), caused by coronavirus infection, also has a damaging effect on myocardial cells. ## What symptoms can you look for? After illness, you need to watch your pulse and blood pressure very closely and pay attention to any potential symptoms. If you feel that it has become difficult to climb the stairs or you have difficulty walking around in general, pay a visit to your doctor as soon as possible. The following symptoms are warning signs: - Palpitations - Fever (up to 99.7 degrees Fahrenheit) - Strong pressing pain in the chest during physical exertion - General pain in the heart area - Swelling of the legs - Shortness of breath - Constant feeling of fatigue > After you have recovered from COVID-19, you should consult your doctor for checkup. In your profile in the Ornament app, you can find a list of tests that may be helpful. ## What should I avoid doing? Because of the high risk of thrombosis with COVID-19, some patients start taking anticoagulants for prophylaxis on their own. This should not be done under any circumstances. Such medications can only be prescribed by a doctor, based on the results of your tests. Another mistake is returning to intensive physical activity too quickly. You should return to training very gradually and make sure that your heart is healthy enough based on directions from your doctor. Additionally, you should not take vitamins indiscriminately. It’s important to take a blood test for vitamin and mineral complexes first. An excess of vitamins is just as bad as a lack of them.