Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• COVID-19 presents a significant global health challenge with elevated mortality and morbidity compared to seasonal illnesses.
• Certain populations, particularly older individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease, face a higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore a multimodal approach for quantifying the risk of severe COVID-19 progression.
• To identify high-risk patients requiring intensified monitoring and treatment strategies.
• To assess the potential benefit of routine cardiological care for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing various risk stratification systems to predict adverse events such as intensive care unit admission or overall mortality.
• Employing biomarkers including Troponin-I, D-Dimer, and NT-proBNP.
• Integrating echocardiographic parameters such as left and right ventricular function and pulmonary artery pressure.

Main Results:

• Biomarkers and echocardiographic data can effectively identify high-risk COVID-19 patients.
• Cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities are significant predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes.
• A multidisciplinary approach, including a COVID-19-Heart Team, can facilitate risk assessment.

Conclusions:

• Early identification of cardiovascular high-risk patients with COVID-19 is essential for optimizing management.
• Routine cardiological assessment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients could improve prognosis.
• Intensified monitoring and stringent treatment for identified high-risk individuals are recommended.