Cardiovascular Considerations for Patients, Health Care Workers, and Health Systems During the COVID 19 Pandemic
Abstract The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 that has significant implications for the cardiovascular care of patients. First, those with COVID 19 and preexisting cardiovascular disease (CVD) have an increased risk of severe disease and death. Second, infection has been associated with multiple direct and indirect cardiovascular complications including acute myocardial injury, myocarditis, arrhythmias and venous thromboembolism. Third, therapies under investigation for COVID 19 may have cardiovascular side effects. Fourth, the response to COVID 19 can compromise the rapid triage of non COVID 19 patients with cardiovascular conditions. Finally, the provision of cardiovascular care may place health care workers in a position of vulnerability as they become host or vectors of virus transmission. We hereby review the peer reviewed and preprint literature pertaining to cardiovascular considerations related to COVID 19 and highlight gaps in knowledge that require further study pertinent to patients, health care workers, and health systems.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology