Friday, August 7

As Acute MI Patients Returned in Later COVID-19 Phase, Fewer Survived

Retrospective US data confirm trends seen elsewhere but offer additional, unique insights into patients and outcomes.

Thursday, July 30

Coronary Calcium in COVID-19 Patients Linked to Worse Outcomes

CAC is a “freebie” you get when the lungs are imaged, Harvey Hecht points out. Might as well put the information to use.

Thursday, July 30

COVID-19 Autopsies Hint at Direct Viral Infection of the Heart

Two-thirds of patients in the small postmortem series had evidence of active virus in cardiac tissue, but questions remain.

Wednesday, July 29

Signs of Cardiac Damage Even in Younger, Nonhospitalized COVID-19 Patients

A series of middle-aged patients followed more than 2 months after diagnosis showed that most had abnormal results on CMR.

Wednesday, July 29 | FEATURE

Walloped by COVID-19, US Cardiology Practices Brace for Slow Recovery  

Cardiology groups large and small used different tactics to keep afloat and continue patient care. The future remains unclear.

Friday, July 24

COVID-19 Clots Spur Both Arterial, Venous Events in Hospitalized Patients

It’s not just the sickest people requiring ICU care who are at risk, according to NYC data.

Friday, July 24

Which Modality and When? New Guidance for Cardiac Imaging in COVID-19

Using the appropriate test can aid diagnosis but also lead to changes in management that may improve patient outcomes.

Thursday, July 23

COVID-19 Patients With Arterial Leg Thromboses Risk Amputation and Death

A small study of patients treated early in the pandemic shows poor outcomes when leg symptoms are involved.

Wednesday, July 22

Don’t Mistake Microthrombi for Myocarditis in COVID-19 STEMI, Case Report Warns

Autopsy analysis shows that myocarditis isn’t the only cause of MI in the absence of occlusive disease.

Wednesday, July 22

COVID-19’s Kawasaki-Like MIS-C Diagnosis Is Cropping Up in Adults

Three case reports describe adults whose symptoms, including conjunctivitis and rashes, echo the rare pediatric presentation.

Tuesday, July 21

In COVID-19 Pulmonary Embolism, Nontraditional Risk Factors Dominate

Available data support the administration of early, therapeutic anticoagulation in this population, experts say.

Monday, July 20 | FEATURE

COVID-19’s Enduring Impact on the Heart? Some Clues and Predictions  

Cardiac complications in COVID-19 have thwarted acute care. Now physicians are asking what this portends down the road.

Monday, July 20

Thrombus Burden Greater in STEMI Patients With COVID-19

After PCI, the mean LVEF is lower in COVID-19 cases, and investigators saw a signal toward higher mortality.

Friday, July 17

Published Data Detail How and When Dexamethasone Might Help in COVID-19

RECOVERY investigators stress the steroid should be used when the disease is dominated by “immunopathological elements.”

Friday, July 17

NYC’s Cardiac Arrest Spike in COVID-19 Tracks With Missing STEMIs

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and related deaths spiked while ACS admissions fell, offering lessons for areas yet to surge.

Thursday, July 16

Italian Data Uphold Idea That Mild Obesity Raises COVID-19 Risks

Whether COVID-19 adds risk by virtue of being a comorbidity or due to direct effects is unknown. A global registry offers clues.

Tuesday, July 14

Ischemic Strokes More Severe, Deadlier in COVID-19

Whether COVID-19 adds risk by virtue of being a comorbidity or due to direct effects is unknown. A global registry offers clues.

Monday, July 13

Heart, Kidneys, Brain, and More: COVID-19’s Wide-ranging Effects

A new review documents the extrapulmonary ramifications of COVID-19, including its heavy effect on the kidneys and heart.

Monday, July 13

Stress Cardiomyopathy Up in Ohio—but Not Directly Due to COVID-19

Doctors should be on the lookout for Takotsubo, researchers say, noting that high stress levels are endemic at this time.

Friday, July 10

Troponin Testing in COVID-19: New Review Offers a Framework for Use

When measured at presentation, cardiac troponin levels can be used to risk-stratify infected patients, says Allan Jaffe.

Wednesday, July 8

STEMI Spectrum in COVID-19 Captured by Multinational Case Series

Now-familiar themes again emerged in the 78-patient series with data from Iraq, Italy, Lithuania, and Spain.

Monday, June 29 | PCR e-Course 2020

Cardiac Arrests Have Soared Worldwide: How Was COVID-19 to Blame 

Out-of-hospital arrests doubled or tripled in cities with major outbreaks and missing STEMIs, making it tricky to confirm cause.

Thursday, June 25

Multiorgan Clotting in COVID-19 Hints at Platelets’ Role in Inflammatory Response

Megakaryocytes were found in all hearts on autopsy in the small study, a rare find that may aid in exposing the virus’ mechanism.

Wednesday, June 17

Had COVID-19? ‘Hidden’ CV Damage Warrants Cautious Return to Physical Activity

Depending on the severity of COVID-19, further cardiac testing may be warranted to prevent myocarditis-linked sudden death.

Tuesday, June 16

Dexamethasone Cuts Death by One-Third in Ventilated COVID-19 Patients

Dexamethasone is “inexpensive, on the shelf, and can be used immediately to save lives,” says a RECOVERY researcher.

Monday, June 15

Case by Case, a Portrait Emerges of COVID-19’s Cardiovascular Fingerprint

One journal’s call for cases drew more than 500 submissions that highlighted SARS-CoV-2’s extensive CV effects.

Friday, June 12

The Color of Coronavirus: Large Burden of COVID-19 Borne by African Americans

The disproportionate distribution of disease is not surprising, say experts, given the historic injustices faced by people of color.

Thursday, June 11

Obesity’s Role in COVID-19 Deaths: Big Food, Slow Government to Blame?

A BMJ editorial notes obesity is a modifiable risk factor for COVID-19, calling for reformulation of processed foods and a ban on ads.

Thursday, June 11

STEMI Triage Can Free Up ICU Beds for COVID-19 and Beyond

Patients deemed low risk after primary PCI can safely skip the ICU, an appealing option when resources are strained.

Wednesday, June 10

Myocardial Injury Seen in Over One-Third of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

The data confirm earlier reports and show that these patients are at an increased risk of dying in the hospital.

Wednesday, June 10

COVID-19-Related Inflammatory Syndrome in Kids Needs Cardiac Follow-up

One author warns they may be seeing just the “tip of the iceberg” and suggests monitoring those with even mild disease.

Tuesday, June 9

Worldwide Drop in STEMI During COVID-19, ESC Survey Confirms

To gain patient trust again in hospitals, Barbara Casadei said testing and isolating COVID-19 patients will be paramount.

Monday, June 8

Possible Antithrombotic and Anti-inflammatory Therapies for COVID-19

One of the major questions to answer will be the optimal anticoagulation strategy in patients with COVID-19, say experts.

Monday, June 8

Risk of Dying Doubled in Wuhan COVID-19 Patients With Hypertension

Observed mortality was highest in those not on antihypertensive meds, with no signal of harm for RAAS inhibitors.

Monday, June 8

Stent Thrombosis May Be Presenting Feature of COVID-19

The risk is small, but study investigators emphasize the need for potent antiplatelet therapies in high-risk patients with COVID-19.

Friday, June 5

Hydroxychloroquine Fails to Prevent COVID-19 in Those Exposed to the Virus: RCT

The NEJM-published study further muddies the path for this drug amid yesterday’s retraction of the dubious-data Lancet paper.

Friday, June 5 | FEATURE

The Next Blaze: Pandemic Burnout Among Health Professionals 

Physician burnout was already a concern, but now with COVID-19, experts stress the need to address the well-being of staff.

Thursday, June 4

COVID-19 Upset: Researchers Retract Lancet, NEJM Papers on Hydroxychloroquine, ACEi/ARBs

The company that owns the data set wouldn’t surrender it in full, throwing the veracity of the studies’ findings into question.

Tuesday, June 2 | FEATURE

Mechanical Circulatory Support in COVID-19: Mixed Results, Hints of Hope 

ECMO, most often venovenous, may help in otherwise healthy, younger patients. What happens long term remains unclear.

Friday, May 29

Lancet COVID-19 Hydroxychloroquine Study Faces ‘Data Integrity’ Questions

A group of scientists is asking for the numbers to be made public and externally validated. A Lancet study investigator responds.

Friday, May 29

US Prescriptions During COVID-19: Hydroxychloroquine Soars, CVD Drugs Stable

Physicians latched quickly onto hopes that antimalarial drugs could help, but weren’t swayed by ACE inhibitor/ARB theories.

Monday, May 26

Dose of Reality? Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine Again Disappoint in COVID-19

Two large analyses reinforce the view that the antimalarial medications raise the risk of death and arrhythmia.

Monday, May 26

COVID-19 Autopsies Put Endothelial Damage, Angiogenesis in the Spotlight

The still-forming picture suggests significantly more new-vessel growth in the lung than would be expected from a typical flu.

Monday, May 25

‘Relatively Low’ Stroke Incidence in COVID-19, but More Are Cryptogenic

There’s more to learn about the mechanisms of stroke in COVID-19 patients, as well as the impact of stay-at-home orders.

Friday, May 22

Patterns of COVID-19 in Health Professionals Offers Clues for Disease Control

In China, the virus was largely contracted from within the hospital, while community acquisition was likely in Holland.

Friday, May 22

More Missing MIs, Late Complications Blamed on COVID-19 in Italy and California

As data come in from big hospital networks and across countries, physicians are urging health administrators to learn the lessons.

Friday, May 22

Survey: Interventional Fellows Fear Missing Competency Goals Due to COVID-19  

About one-third of polled program directors and current fellows said training should somehow be extended.

Thursday, May 21

Even Very Sick Kids Fare Well Despite Kawasaki-Like COVID-19 Symptoms  

Physicians are still learning about the newly identified multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).

Thursday, May 21

No Worse COVID-19 Prognosis With ACE Inhibitors, ARBs: ‘Living’ Review Suggests  

It remains to be seen whether the drugs increase the likelihood of infection or whether they may in fact be helpful treatments.

Wednesday, May 20 | FEATURE

Hydroxychloroquine: No Help, Clear Harm in COVID-19 RCT and Cohort Studies 

President Trump says he’s taking it daily, but three new studies and an ACP warning say hydroxychloroquine is of little benefit.

Wednesday, May 20

More Wuhan Data Confirm Cardiac Injury, COVID-19 Fatality Link  

Compared with survivors, those who died were more likely to have elevated troponins as well as comorbidities.

Wednesday, May 20 | FEATURE

Cardiology After COVID-19: Physicians Predict Lasting Change 

A new era for telemedicine, rebuilding patient trust, and an increase in efficiency of care were common themes.

Tuesday, May 19

COVID-19 in NYC: CV Risk Factors and Bleak Outcomes in the Critically Ill  

The prospective study from the US hot spot also shows a high rate of multiple organ failure, including severe kidney disease.

Thursday, May 14

Latest Kawasaki Series Offers Clues to COVID-19 in Kids as Debate Persists  

In Bergamo province, investigators report a 30-fold increase in severe Kawasaki, diagnosed according to accepted criteria.

Wednesday, May 13

High-Intensity Sport Post-COVID: Expert Advice From Sports Cardiologists  

Schools, teams, competitive athletes, and dedicated amateurs are starting to ask clinicians how they can get back in the game.

Tuesday, May 12 | FEATURE

Hospitals Plan Cautious Restart to Elective Procedures as COVID-19 Wanes 

Working off the backlog of elective CV cases put on hold for the last 8 weeks will be more of a marathon than a sprint, say docs.

Monday, May 11

German COVID-19 Autopsy Data Show Thromboembolism, ‘Heavy’ Lungs  

The data support the idea that some patients may need anticoagulation to prevent pulmonary embolism.

Friday, May 8 | FEATURE

Stroke ‘Surge’ in the Young Fuels Debate Over COVID-19’s Culpability 

In some cases, large strokes are the first presentation of COVID-19 in younger patients, but numbers are lacking and uncertainty abounds.

Friday, May 8

Takotsubo Rising During COVID-19? Stress, Viral Triggers Need Attention  

Some physicians report an uptick in cases, but the size of the problem needs more study.

Wednesday, May 6

Anticoagulants May Aid COVID-19 Patients, NYC Data Suggest  

Mount Sinai physicians found lower mortality with systemic anticoagulation and plan to dig deeper.

Wednesday, May 6

Kawasaki Link to COVID-19 in Kids Probed as UK, New York Issue Alerts  

Two pediatric cardiologists are convinced this is “something to be aware of,” with one urging echocardiographic follow-up.

Tuesday, May 5

COVID-19, ACE Inhibitors, and ARBs: Multiple Studies Show No Increased Risk  

RAAS inhibitors also do lead not to more-severe COVID-19, providing reassurances for patients treated with the drugs.

Tuesday, May 5

Many STEMI Patients With COVID-19 Have No Obstructed Arteries  

The finding supports anecdotal reports of STEMI mimics but not a role for fibrinolysis during the pandemic, one researcher says.

Monday, May 4

RV Strain a Prognostic Marker for Mortality in COVID-19  

RVLS outdid other echo parameters in Wuhan-based patients but needs further study, particularly in other populations.

Friday, May 1

‘Terrible’ Spike in Cardiac Arrest Deaths During Lombardy’s COVID-19 Surge  

Investigators believe theirs are the first published data showing high numbers of at-home cardiac arrests amid the pandemic.

Wednesday, April 29

Remdesivir Study for COVID-19 Yields Positive Top-line Results  

The IV drug has a “clear-cut, significant, positive effect on diminishing the time to recovery,” says Anthony Fauci.

Wednesday, April 29

Pulmonary Embolism in COVID-19 Patients: New Numbers, Little Consensus  

A French series is putting PE in the spotlight, but the optimal anticoagulation strategy remains unknown.

Wednesday, April 29 | FEATURE

Dire, Unusual STEMI Complications Blamed on COVID-19 Hospital Avoidance 

Globally, cardiologists are seeing VSDs, papillary ruptures, and other complications rarely seen in the primary PCI era.

Tuesday, April 28

Mobile Monitors Can ID Arrhythmias Due to COVID-19 Drugs  

When telemetry beds are scarce, these monitors rapidly detect issues and also minimize contact with infectious patients.

Friday, April 24

COVID-19 Lockdown Inactivity May Spell Trouble for CVD Prevention  

Social isolation doesn’t just mean Netflix on the couch, say prevention experts, who stress the importance of daily exercise.

Friday, April 24

ACE Inhibitors/ARBs Safe, Possibly Protective in Hypertensive COVID-19 Patients  

Two retrospective studies from China found no link to higher mortality, with one even suggesting lower death risk.

Thursday, April 23 | FEATURE

Hopes High for Anti-inflammatories to Combat COVID-19 Immune System Storms 

How the immune response tips so radically off-balance is unclear, but research, some drawing on recent CVD trials, ploughs on.

Wednesday, April 22

How COVID-19 Promotes Thrombosis, Posing Problems for Drug-Drug Interactions  

A new review explores the higher risk of thrombotic disease with this coronavirus, how to prevent and treat it, plus research gaps.

Tuesday, April 21 | FEATURE

Obesity and COVID-19: Theories and Blame Fill the Scientific Void 

Obesity is the latest theory du jour for why some SARS-CoV-2 infections take a deadlier course, particularly in the young.

Monday, April 20

COVID-19’s Lopsided Impact on Minorities Should ‘Ignite’ Reform, Experts Say  

Better testing and culturally targeted PSAs are needed in the short term; on the other side, societal fixes will be critical.

Friday, April 17 | FEATURE

As COVID-19 Spreads, US Cath Labs Ponder Fibrinolytics for STEMI  

Business as usual may not be possible, and overwhelmed hospitals may consider lytic-based pathways, a group says.

Friday, April 17 | FEATURE

Could Robotic PCI Play a Protective Role in Pandemics?  

Some say COVID-19 might pave the way for more robotic procedures, but proof they cut disease transmission is lacking.

Thursday, April 16 | FEATURE

Thanks to COVID-19, Cardiology Fellows Gain Unexpected Skills but Risk Losing Others  

Trading catheters for central lines, many fellows are stepping into roles they’d never imagined, while programs adapt.

Wednesday, April 15 

Healthcare Workers With COVID-19 Relatively Young, Mostly Female: CDC  

Although the majority did not require hospitalization, severe disease and death were reported across age groups.

Tuesday, April 14 

CPR in COVID-19: Keep Safe in the Setting of Cardiac Arrest  

Eight societies came together to offer tips on how healthcare providers can protect themselves while helping their patients.

Tuesday, April 14 | FEATURE

An Age/Old Dilemma? Pulling Senior Cardiologists From the Front During COVID-19  

Some US hospitals have asked doctors over a certain age to work from home, but surge situations may mean all hands on deck.

Monday, April 13 

Structural Heart Interventions in the Midst of COVID-19: Today’s Advice, Tomorrow’s Unknowns 

Which TAVR can be deferred, which MV should be repaired? Advice from ACC, SCAI, and the heart of the US pandemic.

Monday, April 13 

Echo During COVID-19? New Advice Weighs Doctor Safety, Patient Needs 

Their suggestions include an increased use of POCUS, greater scrutiny of orders, and a hiatus for hands-on training.

Friday, April 10 

COVID-19 Linked to 38% Drop in US STEMIs

Numbers from nine US hospitals largely echo the drop seen in Spain. Understanding the consequences is key, experts say. 

Friday, April 10 

Cardiac Rehab During COVID-19: Telehealth, Unpaid Heroes Step Up to Help at Home 

Expert's say there's no better time than now to keep preventative CV care going and forge a new path for outpatient cardiac rehab. 

Friday, April 10 

New Wuhan Data Confirm High Hypertension Rate in COVID-19 Deaths

Half of patients who died during a 10-day stretch in January had hypertension.

Tuesday, April 7 | FEATURE

‘Salvage What We Can’: Cardiology Clinical Trials in Turmoil Amid COVID-19 

RCTs are paused or slowing to a trickle. Researchers predict data gaps, less funding, and new priorities when the pandemic ends

Friday, April 3 

COVID-19 Drug Candidates May Raise Arrhythmia Risk

Hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, and azithromycin all prolong QT interval. The next step is studying if their benefit exceeds risk.
 

Thursday, April 2 | FEATURE

The Mystery of the Missing STEMIs During the COVID-19 Pandemic  

Fear of infection is likely the biggest driver, but as other theories circulate, cardiologists are bracing for the fallout.

Friday, March 27 | FEATURE

Mixed Messages on COVID-19 Masks: Science Falls Short As Deaths Mount  

Different hospital policies as to who should wear a mask—and when—pit a shaky evidence base against a supply chain shortage.

Thursday, March 26 

Who Should Head to the Cath Lab in the COVID-19 Pandemic?

The new, detailed guidance does not amount to “hard and fast rules.” SCAI says hospitals need to make case-by-case decisions

Thursday, March 26 

ACE Inhibitors, ARBs, and COVID-19: New Insights, Advice

Experts stress there is not enough evidence to suggest these medications can worsen COVID-19 morbidity and mortality.

Thursday, March 26 

Cardiac Injury in COVID-19 Sharply Increases Risk of Death

Wuhan researchers have published details on 416 hospitalized patients, but treatment pathways remain unclear.

Wednesday, March 25

Cardiac Considerations Amid COVID-19: Shared Stories May Save Lives

The experience of Chinese physicians is leading the way for others around the world as the pandemic explodes in the US.

Tuesday, March 24 | FEATURE

Telehealth Offers a Lifeline for Cardiology Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic  

From FaceTime to old-fashioned telephone visits, healthcare workers are turning to virtual means to conduct clinical care.

Friday, March 20 | FEATURE

‘Terrified’ Healthcare Workers Fear Lack of Protection Against COVID-19 

“You wouldn’t send a soldier into war without a gun or body armor,” one doctor says. Hard-hit areas offer some tips.

Wednesday, March 18

COVID-19 Poised to Upend the Cath Lab, ACC and SCAI Say

Be prepared, experts urge. Much is still unknown about how the novel coronavirus will affect day-to-day and emergency CVD care.

Tuesday, March 17

COVID-19 Should Not Guide Use of ACE Inhibitors/ARBs, Heart Societies Say

(UPDATED) More research is needed, but for now, there’s no evidence that background use of the agents harms or helps in COVID-19.

Monday, March 9

ACC, EHRA Cancel 2020 Meetings Over COVID-19

Within hours of the ACC’s announcement, the European Heart Rhythm Association 2020 also announced their meeting was off.

Wednesday, March 4

First ESC Meeting of 2020 Canceled Due to Novel Coronavirus

It’s a wise move, Mamas Mamas says, both for the health of the attendees and for the patients they care for back home.

Thursday, February 13

ACC Releases Initial Cardiac Guidance on Novel Coronavirus

One piece of advice is to not overlook classic symptoms and presentation of acute MI in the context of the COVID-19 virus.

Tuesday, February 4

Coronavirus: CV Meeting Planners Keeping an Eye on Evolving Situation

China Interventional Therapeutics 2020, slated for April, has been canceled, but little impact is anticipated for other conferences.