What's the definition of vulnerable for Corona Virus?

[Adrian52]

Hi all. I'm 53 years old and consider myself relatively healthy and not one of the vulnerable people mentioned in the media who needs to be extra careful with catching the Corona virus.

I had open heart surgery 2 years ago for the removal of an aortic aneurysm. I'm taking the usual post heart op medication, as well as a Beta blocker and Apaxiban for slight irregular heart beats.

A friend mentioned to me yesterday that I should consider myself as being vulnerable given my past medical history. Am I missing something here, or is he right? Can anyone help?

[Yasyass]

I think anyone who has had a medical issue is vulnerable I had a heart attack four yr ago now no sympton hf stage one but think we are vulnerable but I think even the healthy ones should be aware and not go into crowds because no one really knows how or when the virus is passed

[HectorsDad]

I’m vulnerable twice.

Medically: heart attack, stents, MVA and Asthma.

Personally: wife also self isolating and already she’s going stir crazy- trying to keep out of her way in case.....

[Yasyass]

Did you read an article today saying younger generation ages 20 to 40 are at risk they can’t mk their minds up i think because this virus is not known and no one knows what to do but one thing is for sure everyone should take care keep out of crowds practice good hygiene best wishes to everyone god willing we will all get over this soon

[Cliff_G]

Hi, Adrian52, whilst heart and arterial conditions are not generally listed on many of the national guidelines, nor do many such people receive letters, regarding a recommendation to "shield", the more we know about COVID the more there are concerns raised about its effect on cardiac and circulatory systems. One of the problems is of hyper-coagulation, i.e. a tendency for COVID to make your blood clot much more than it would usually, especially in very small blood vessels, and indeed more than would be prevented by normal levels of Warfarin or other anti-coagulants, such as for stroke/A-Fib/etc.

As someone who has had an aortic dissection and now lives with an extensive graft and a metal aortic valve, and whilst I also have had no letter advising me to shield, I am indeed shielding and am very loathe to start going out where people are even though shielding in the UK is now on pause. I am not particularly at a greater risk of catching COVID (such as would be the case for those with immune deficiency) but were I to get it, yes, I very much am at a greater risk of complications.

Only you can judge your own situation. With me it's easy, I'm retired, I live rurally, and don't need to go where there are other people. It will probably be different for you but if I were you I would be thinking seriously about avoiding COVID at all costs.