Coronavirus

Am I more at risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) if I have high cholesterol?

Having a high cholesterol level does not mean you're more likely to catch coronavirus (COVID-19), or raise the risk of severe disease if you do catch it – but do check our information on who is at risk below. 

However, just as catching seasonal flu can impact conditions such as coronary heart disease, coronavirus (COVID-19) is likely to have a similar effect. Any virus that enters the body can put excess stress on your body's systems and organs, and this can cause existing conditions to worsen. This is why taking steps to protect yourself from catching the virus is so important, even if you feel fit and well.  

• You should continue taking all your medications as prescribed unless your doctor or 111 tell you otherwise.
• Make sure that you have your usual stock of medications available. There is no current need to order any extra stock of medications.
• You can also ask your surgery or pharmacy if they offer a delivery service, or if they can suggest a company that can offer this for you.

Most GP services, some hospitals and clinics, and some specialist FH services are unable to operate as normal in order to support the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic. There may, therefore, be delays and cancellations for routine appointments. Where possible, seek information and support online from reputable websites about your health conditions, such as the NHS and health charities. 

A joint statement from the British Cardiovascular Society and the British Society for Heart Failure has offered reassurance to people taking ACE Inhibitors (drugs usually ending in '-pril', such as ramipril) and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs, drugs usually ending in '-sartan', such as candesartan).

Read about coronavirus is you have FH

How do I know if I am at a higher risk (known as clinically vulnerable)? 

The government have identified the following people as being at a higher risk, or 'clinically vulnerable'. If this includes you, be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures. You may have seen these groups listed on the government and NHS websites, they are:

• those aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)
• those aged under 70 with an underlying health condition listed here (this means all adults who are invited to get a flu jab each year on medical grounds) 
  • chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitischronic heart disease, such as heart failure
  • chronic kidney disease
  • chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
  • chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy
  • problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
  • a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as chemotherapy
• those who are pregnant.

Our HEART UK lipid experts have also identified people who at a higher risk of severe illness if they contract coronavirus

This is in addition to some people with FH and those listed above by the government above. This includes you if you have one or more of the following risk factors or conditions which affect your heart and blood vessels:

• coronary heart disease or stroke – a past heart attack, stent, bypass surgery, stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA or mini stroke)
• Peripheral Arterial Disease (also known as Peripheral Vascular Disease)
• a confirmed diagnosis of the inherited lipid condition Familial Dysbetalipoproteinaemia (Type 3)
• severe obesity (body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater)
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• diabetes
• steroid medication: doses of Prednisolone above 15mgs are generally considered as immunosuppressive but all patients who are taking oral or inhaled steroids are at higher risk of developing severe disease if they contract coronavirus.

If you have one or more of these conditions you should follow the government’s social distancing measures very closely, particularly now certain restrictions have been eased.

Currently the Government advice is for people to stay at home as much as possible and work from home if you can, but this is set to change in the near future. They will provide an update on August 1st for employers. They have already provided COVID-19 Secure guidance for employers to ensure safe working and social distancing measures are in place for those returning to the work environment. View the guidance at www.gov.uk/coronavirus – under work and financial support. 

If you have any concerns about returning to work please contact your GP or specialist for further advice.

Our Cholesterol Helpline is running as usual to support you and the NHS, so please contact us if you have any concerns about cholesterol conditions and coronavirus. We might have more callers than usual so if you can’t get through, feel free to email us at ask@heartuk.org.uk and we'll get back to you. 

Please note that we are not able to diagnose coronavirus so please refer to Government and NHS guidance if you think you may have coronavirus symptoms. 

Where can I get information and support?

A number of other charities have produced specific advice about coronavirus.

• Asthma – Asthma UK: coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Other lung conditions, such as COPD – British Lung Foundation: coronavirus and COVID-19
• Joint and muscle conditions, such as arthritis – Versus Arthritis: coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Heart disease – British Heart Foundation: coronavirus – what it means for you if you have heart or circulatory disease
• Stroke – Stroke Association: information on coronavirus for stroke survivors
• Diabetes – Diabetes UK: Diabetes and coronavirus