Cardiology referral during the COVID-19 pandemic

Nathalia Conci Santorio1, Francisco Akira Malta Cardozo1, Rodrigo Freddi Miada1

  • 1Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR.

Insights

During the COVID-19 pandemic, cardiology referrals revealed frequent cardiovascular complications in patients with the novel coronavirus. Advanced age and pre-existing heart failure predicted mortality, highlighting the need for continued cardiac evaluation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated adaptations in healthcare delivery, including cardiology services.
  • Understanding the cardiovascular impact of COVID-19 is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the cardiology referral model during the early COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To identify reasons for cardiology referrals, clinical profiles, and mortality predictors in COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective observational study of cardiology referrals from March 30 to July 6, 2020.
  • Descriptive analysis of referral reasons and diagnoses.
  • Multivariable modeling to identify mortality predictors.

Main Results:

  • 206 patients had cardiology referrals; 180 confirmed COVID-19.
  • Cardiovascular complications occurred in 77.7% of COVID-19 patients.
  • Decompensated heart failure (38.8%), myocardial injury (35%), and arrhythmias (17.7%) were most common.
  • Mortality predictors included advanced age, need for ventilatory support, and pre-existing heart failure.

Conclusions:

  • A hybrid in-person and remote cardiology referral model is feasible during pandemics.
  • Cardiovascular complications are frequent in COVID-19 patients, necessitating ongoing cardiac evaluation.
  • Identifying mortality predictors aids in risk stratification and management.
Abstract

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