Cardiovascular disease and COVID-19: Australian and New Zealand consensus statement.

Cardiovascular disease and COVID-19: Australian and New Zealand consensus statement. Med J Aust. 2020 Jul 31;: Authors: Zaman S, MacIsaac AI, Jennings GL, Schlaich MP, Inglis SC, Arnold R, Kumar S, Thomas L, Wahi S, Lo S, Naismith C, Duffy SJ, Nicholls SJ, Newcomb A, Almeida AA, Wong S, Lund M, Chew DP, Kritharides L, Chow CK, Bhindi R Abstract INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19, and COVID-19 itself causes serious cardiac sequelae. Strategies to minimise the risk of viral transmission to health care workers and uninfected cardiac patients while prioritising high quality cardiac care are urgently needed. We conducted a rapid literature appraisal and review of key documents identified by the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Board and Council members, the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons, and key cardiology, surgical and public health opinion leaders. MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS: Common acute cardiac manifestations of COVID-19 include left ventricular dysfunction, heart failure, arrhythmias and acute coronary syndromes. The presence of underlying CVD confers a five- to tenfold higher case fatality rate with COVID-19 disease. Special precautions are needed to avoid viral transmission to this populat...
Source: Medical Journal of Australia - Category: General Medicine Tags: Med J Aust Source Type: research