Implications of COVID-19 on our Cardiology Patients & How we Practice
Mar 27, 2020
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Researchers are learning more about the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the impact it has on those infected by the virus and the general public. The leading health organizations are urging people to practice social distancing,...
Researchers are learning more about the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the impact it has on those infected by the virus and the general public. The leading health organizations are urging people to practice social distancing, especially those who are considered as high-risk to stay at home to reduce their chances of potential exposure COVID-19.
...we are mindful that the response to COVID-19 can jeopardize prompt care for non-COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular conditions...
For cardiology patients, the risks and implications of COVID-19 are real. It's been found so far that:
- Patients who have contracted COVID-19 and have pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) are subject to an increased risk of severe illness and death.
- It is critical for patients with CVD to stay current on vaccinations, including the pneumococcal vaccine due to the increased risk of secondary bacterial infection with COVID-19; CVD patients should also get vaccinated against influenza per the current ACC/AHA guidelines.
- COVID-19 infection is associated with multiple direct and indirect cardiovascular complications, including myocarditis, acute myocardial injury, arrhythmias, and venous thromboembolism.
While these two items are important, we are mindful that the response to COVID-19 can jeopardize prompt care for non-COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular conditions.
What we want to avoid is patients staying at home out of fear and not receiving the sufficient care needed for heart attacks, heart failure, and other urgent and emergent cardiac conditions.
How we are keeping patients safe but also addressing urgent/emergent cardiac needs?
At Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates, we are rapidly adapting and transforming the way we deliver care during these times to try and weigh the risks of cardiovascular disease and COVID-19. We are currently offering our patients phone visits, virtual/tele-visits, and, if necessary, in-person visits to our clinics. We are here to serve you, so please do not hesitate to call 281-392-3401 with questions or concerns.
Learn more about Tele-Visits here...