Heart rate serves as a fundamental indicator of bodily function. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the virus’s impact on various organ systems, particularly the cardiovascular system. Many individuals who contracted COVID-19 have reported experiencing changes in their heart rate, both during the acute illness and in the period following recovery.
How COVID-19 Influences Heart Rate
COVID-19 can affect heart rate through several physiological pathways. The virus, SARS-CoV-2, can directly invade myocardial cells, utilizing the ACE2 receptor present in both respiratory and cardiac tissues. This direct viral invasion can lead to inflammation of the heart muscle, known as myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart’s outer lining, called pericarditis. Beyond direct cellular effects, the body’s systemic response to infection also plays a role.
A severe infection often triggers a strong inflammatory response, which can escalate into a “cytokine storm” and damage heart tissue. The general stress of fighting an illness, coupled with factors like fever, dehydration, and increased metabolic demands, places extra strain on the heart, prompting it to work harder and faster. This interplay of direct viral action, inflammation, and systemic stress contributes to the observed changes in heart rate during and after COVID-19 infection.
Acute Heart Rate Changes During Infection
During the active phase of a COVID-19 infection, several heart rate variations can occur. Tachycardia, or a faster-than-normal heart rate, is a frequent symptom, often linked to the body’s fever response, inflammation, and heightened metabolic demand. Patients might notice their resting heart rate, typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute for adults, become elevated, sometimes reaching 90 beats per minute or higher. This increased rate can also be observed during mild activities, with some individuals seeing their heart rate jump to 120 beats per minute with minimal exertion.
While a sustained fast heart rate is common, less frequent occurrences like bradycardia, a slower-than-normal heart rate, have also been reported, potentially stemming from the virus’s effect on the autonomic nervous system. The overall trajectory of heart rate changes is more telling than a single number; a gradual, steady increase is typical for an acute illness, but a sudden, dramatic jump from a lower rate could signal an abnormal rhythm. Heart rate variability can also decrease significantly during acute infection, indicating an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system.
Persistent Heart Rate Issues After Recovery
Even after the acute phase of COVID-19 has resolved, some individuals experience lingering heart rate abnormalities, often categorized as “Long COVID.” Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition frequently observed in this context. POTS is characterized by a significant increase in heart rate upon standing, typically by 30 beats per minute or more within 10 minutes, without a notable drop in blood pressure.
This condition can cause symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, severe fatigue, brain fog, headaches, and nausea. These symptoms arise because the autonomic nervous system struggles to regulate blood flow effectively when changing posture. Beyond POTS, some individuals report a sustained elevated resting heart rate or recurrent palpitations that persist for weeks or months post-infection. These ongoing heart rate issues can significantly affect daily life and are distinct from the temporary changes experienced during the acute illness.
Guidance for Monitoring and Medical Attention
Monitoring heart rate during and after a COVID-19 infection can provide valuable insights into recovery and potential ongoing issues. Tools such as pulse oximeters, smartwatches, fitness trackers, or manual pulse checks can be used to track heart rate trends. A higher resting heart rate can sometimes indicate a fever or an ongoing inflammatory process.
It is important to seek medical attention if specific warning signs appear. These include:
A persistently very high or very low heart rate
Palpitations accompanied by chest pain
Severe shortness of breath
Dizziness
Fainting spells
If symptoms do not improve week-to-week or persist for longer than four weeks, consulting a healthcare professional is advised. While general supportive measures like hydration and rest are beneficial, they do not replace professional medical evaluation for concerning or persistent heart-related symptoms.