Who Is at Risk For Serious COVID Illness?

Anyone can get COVID-19, but some people are more likely to be sicker and have complications. This includes older adults and those with heart disease and other health conditions.

If you have heart disease, it’s especially important to lower your risk of severe COVID-19 illness as it puts extra stress on your heart.

❱❱ Adults ages 65 or older (though younger people are also at risk)

❱❱ People with:

• Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease – and even those with heart disease risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes
  
• Lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or moderate to severe asthma
• Excess weight/obesity
• Cancer, chronic kidney or liver disease
• Illnesses that lower the immune system’s ability to fight infection (for example people undergoing cancer treatments or organ transplants)

Other medical conditions might also increase your risk. 

If you have heart disease and think you may have COVID-19, call your doctor right away. Early care can help prevent serious complications, such as worsening heart symptoms or other health problems. Your doctor can guide you on what to watch for, how to manage symptoms, and when to seek emergency care.