Summary of the Article: European Cardiology Society Report on COVID-19 and Cardiovascular Health
This article details a new report from the European Cardiology Society addressing the significant and lasting impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular health.Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways:
* Growing Problem: Many people are experiencing cardiovascular complications from COVID-19 – during the initial illness, recovery, reinfection, and even after vaccination – and some are turning to unproven treatments due to a lack of clear guidance.
* Expert Consensus: The report is a clinical consensus declaration developed by European cardiology experts, led by Professor Vassilia Vassilou, providing unified recommendations for prevention, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
* Extensive Review: The recommendations are based on a thorough review of all existing research on COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases.
* Persistent COVID & Cardiac Impact: Approximately 100 million people currently live with Persistent covid, and 5% of those (5 million) will experience cardiac persistent covid, manifesting as symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, heart failure, fatigue, and dizziness. It can also cause autonomic dysfunction.
* Key Recommendations:
* Vaccination: Continued COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended as it significantly reduces the risk of cardiac complications and persistent COVID.
* Diagnosis & Treatment: the report outlines how to diagnose and treat cardiovascular symptoms of COVID-19.
* Cardiac Rehabilitation: Structured cardiac rehabilitation programs, including specialized physiotherapy, are crucial for preventing long-term problems and aiding recovery.
* Beyond the Lungs: The report emphasizes that COVID-19 can damage the heart and blood vessels, even months after the initial infection.
* Equity of Access: Experts urge equal access to cardiac rehabilitation programs, notably for those in rural areas, and call for increased funding and resource allocation to expand capacity.
* Ongoing Research: The report identifies critical gaps in research and stresses the need for continued investigation into prolonged COVID-19 and its cardiovascular effects.
In essence, the report aims to provide evidence-based guidance to healthcare professionals and patients to address the long-term cardiovascular consequences of COVID-19 and improve patient outcomes.
