COVID-19 Update: Do Not Stop Your Heart Pills Without Medical Advice
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there is speculation that drugs such as ACE inhibitors (e.g. Enalapril, Ramipril, Perindopril) and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (e.g. Losartan, Candesartan) may increase susceptibility for patients who take them in the event that they suffer from COVID-19 infection. There is also concern that non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Brufen may also be harmful. In this video, Mr Birdi, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at The Keyhole Essex Heart Clinic explains what you should do:
In summary:
It is important that you take your ACE Inhibitor or Angiotensin Receptor Blocker unless instructed to stop by your doctor. This will likely only happen for other reasons rather than COVID-19 risk.
It may be sensible to use Paracetamol for pain relief and avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for now, until we understand the interaction between this class of drugs and COVID-19 infection.
