Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2025

Myocardial Infarction and Functional Outcome Assessment in Pigs
12:03

Myocardial Infarction and Functional Outcome Assessment in Pigs

Published on: April 25, 2014

28.0K

Myocardial function in COVID-19 patients after hospital discharge: a descriptive study comparing the first and second

T W Elffers1, M A de Graaf1, M V Regeer1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.

The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging
|September 19, 2023
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 survivors show mild cardiac dysfunction six weeks post-discharge, with no link to New York Heart Association class or COVID-19 wave. Long-term symptoms may stem from other factors beyond these cardiac changes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Hospitalized COVID-19 patients can experience myocardial injury and echocardiographic abnormalities.
  • Understanding post-discharge cardiac function is crucial for managing long-term COVID-19 sequelae.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate cardiac function in COVID-19 patients six weeks post-discharge.
  • To evaluate the relationship between cardiac function and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class.
  • To compare cardiac function between first and second wave COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

  • 146 patients were evaluated at an outpatient clinic.
  • Transthoracic echocardiography assessed cardiac function, including left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, LV global longitudinal strain, and right ventricular (RV) function (tricuspid annular systolic planar excursion, RV fraction area change, RV strain).
  • Patients were assessed six weeks post-discharge.

Main Results:

  • 53% of patients reported NYHA class II or higher.
  • 27% showed reduced LV ejection fraction, and 29% had impaired LV global longitudinal strain.
  • 14% exhibited RV dysfunction; no significant differences in LV or RV function were found between the first and second COVID-19 waves.
  • Reduced LV and RV function were not associated with NYHA class.

Conclusions:

  • Mild cardiac function abnormalities are present in COVID-19 patients six weeks post-discharge.
  • These abnormalities are not linked to NYHA class or the wave of infection.
  • Mildly abnormal cardiac function may not fully explain persistent long-term symptoms post-COVID-19.

Keywords:
COVID-19EchocardiographyOut-patient clinicStrain

More Related Videos

Post-Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure in Closed-chest Coronary Occlusion/Reperfusion Model in Göttingen Minipigs and Landrace Pigs14:35

Post-Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure in Closed-chest Coronary Occlusion/Reperfusion Model in Göttingen Minipigs and Landrace Pigs

Published on: April 17, 2021

8.6K
Transthoracic Echocardiography to Assess Post-Resuscitation Left Ventricular Dysfunction After Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiac Arrest in Pigs08:19

Transthoracic Echocardiography to Assess Post-Resuscitation Left Ventricular Dysfunction After Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiac Arrest in Pigs

Published on: July 12, 2022

2.9K

Related Concept Videos

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
12
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
7
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
20
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
11
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
11
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
9