COVID and Exercise: The Importance of Taking It Slow

Nearly three years into the pandemic, medical experts are continually uncovering the short and long-term effects of COVID-19 on the body, ranging from long COVID to cardiovascular complications. Recent research reveals a concerning link between COVID infections and cardiovascular health, especially for those eager to return to their pre-COVID exercise routines.

Early in the pandemic, there was a widespread misconception that COVID-19 primarily affected the lungs of individuals with underlying health conditions. However, current research provides significant evidence that COVID-19 causes inflammation of the blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiac and vascular complications across all age groups. Studies have highlighted an increased risk of stroke and heart attack that can persist up to a year after infection, even in people in their twenties.

We know that regular physical activity strengthens the heart muscles, enhancing the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently to the lungs and throughout the body, which increases blood flow and oxygen levels to the muscles.

Resuming physical activity after a COVID-19 infection requires extra caution due to potential complications. Those suffering from long COVID or who experienced severe symptoms should take a gradual approach when increasing daily activity and exercise. It’s crucial to monitor for irregular breathing, elevated heart rate, fatigue, and exhaustion. Ignoring these long-term effects of COVID-19 can strain the heart, causing additional, possibly irreversible, damage such as myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart. To ease back into activities and increase tolerance post-infection, try low-stress exercises like walking, stationary biking, and swimming for short periods.

Returning to pre-COVID fitness levels can be particularly challenging for runners and athletes. Respiratory symptoms such as coughing, congestion, and shortness of breath can make running difficult. Generally, more severe and prolonged infections require longer recovery times and a more gradual increase in physical activity. Runners who experienced chest pain or tightness, heart palpitations, lightheadedness, or breathing difficulties should undergo a cardiac evaluation to ensure no serious damage that could be exacerbated by exercise.

By taking it slow and monitoring your body’s response, you can safely work towards regaining your pre-COVID fitness levels while minimizing the risk of further complications