Severe COVID patients must not overexert to avoid heart attacks, says Mansukh Mandaviya

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya cited an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study and said those who had earlier suffered a severe bout of COVID-19 must not overexert themselves for a year or two to avoid heart attacks and cardiac arrests.

Several deaths due to heart issues have been reported in Gujarat recently, including during 'garba' events that mark Navratri festivities, which prompted state health minister Rushikesh Patel to hold a meeting with medical experts, including cardiologists.

Patel had asked experts to collect data on the deaths to find out causes and remedies. "The ICMR has conducted a detailed study. As per this study, those who have suffered from severe COVID-19 infection should not overexert themselves. They should stay away from hard workouts, running and strenuous exercises for a short time, say a year or two, so as to avoid heart attacks," Mandaviya told reporters.