Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 23, 2025

Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
09:20

Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Published on: February 13, 2021

6.8K

Patient with heart failure: importance to treat valvular diseases

Marianna Adamo1, Benjamin Alos2, Marco Metra1

  • 1Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and Cardiology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.

European Heart Journal Supplements : Journal of the European Society of Cardiology
|January 4, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic has delayed critical heart valve disease treatments, increasing patient risk. Percutaneous procedures offer a safer alternative due to lower infection rates and shorter hospital stays, aiding resource management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Healthcare Management

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly strains healthcare resources, impacting the treatment of heart failure and valvular heart diseases (VHD).
  • Percutaneous procedures have expanded VHD treatment options, but the pandemic poses challenges to their implementation.
  • Delays in VHD treatment due to infection risks and resource reallocation increase the likelihood of clinical worsening and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic on VHD treatment implementation.
  • To propose strategies for reorganizing healthcare resources and prioritizing VHD patients.
  • To evaluate the role of percutaneous procedures in managing VHD during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • Reviewing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on VHD treatment access and outcomes.
  • Analyzing the benefits of percutaneous procedures versus traditional surgery in a pandemic context.
  • Proposing an algorithm for patient prioritization based on disease severity, life expectancy, intervention complexity, and resource availability.
  • Highlighting the importance of telemedicine for patient selection and follow-up, and infection control measures.

Main Results:

  • The pandemic has led to substantial delays in VHD treatment, increasing risks.
  • Percutaneous procedures demonstrate a lower risk of infection and reduced need for hospital resources compared to surgery.
  • Shorter hospital stays associated with percutaneous procedures are advantageous during high viral transmission periods.
  • Telemedicine and stringent infection control are crucial for continued VHD care.

Conclusions:

  • Healthcare systems require reorganization to manage VHD treatment amidst ongoing pandemic waves.
  • A structured prioritization algorithm is essential for allocating resources effectively.
  • Percutaneous procedures are favored over surgery when viral infection risk is high due to their safety and resource efficiency profile.
  • Continued vigilance with infection control and adoption of telemedicine are vital for optimal VHD patient management.

Keywords:
COVID-19Heart failureValve disease

More Related Videos

Reduction in Left Ventricular Wall Stress and Improvement in Function in Failing Hearts using Algisyl-LVR07:24

Reduction in Left Ventricular Wall Stress and Improvement in Function in Failing Hearts using Algisyl-LVR

Published on: April 8, 2013

24.6K
A Model of Reverse Vascular Remodeling in Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Left Heart Disease by Aortic Debanding in Rats07:41

A Model of Reverse Vascular Remodeling in Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Left Heart Disease by Aortic Debanding in Rats

Published on: March 1, 2022

3.2K

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies01:22

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
111
Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
93
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
126
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
176
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics

Heart failure and kidney perfusion are interconnected in a complex way. Reduced renal perfusion and venous congestion are two significant factors that contribute to renal dysfunction in heart failure. The kidneys, primarily responsible for fluid balance in the body, are adversely affected due to compromised cardiac output and increased venous pressure. In response to reduced renal perfusion, the kidneys activate neurohumoral mechanisms to restore balance. However, these mechanisms can be...
616
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
117