Cardiological society of India document on safety measure during echo evaluation of cardiovascular disease in the time of COVID-19

Progressive left and right heart dysfunction in coronavirus disease-19: Prospective echocardiographic evaluation

Aims

Cardiac dysfunction in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has been reported during acute phase but serial changes have not been well studied. To determine serial changes in type and severity of echocardiographic left and right heart functions we performed a prospective study.

Methods and results

Successive COVID-19 patients at discharge from the hospital from June to December 2020 were enrolled. Clinical details were obtained and echocardiography was performed using Philips IE33X-Matrix. Follow-up evaluation was performed after 3 months. In total, 1789 COVID-19 patients were evaluated. Baseline echocardiography was performed in 1000 eligible patients (men 611, women 389). Mean age was 50.2 ± 15 years, hypertension was in 44.0%, diabetes in 49.4%, and coronary disease in 10.8%. COVID-19 was mild in 47.0%, moderate in 39.5%, and severe in 13.5%. Baseline cardiac parameters were more impaired in severe vs. moderate or mild COVID-19. At 3 months, in 632 patients where baseline and follow-up data were available, decline was observed in select left [left ventricular internal diameter in diastole +0.9 ± 0.2 mm, left atrial volume +7.6 ± 0.1 mL/m², mitral E/e′ +4.8 ± 0.1, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) −3.7 ± 0.2%] and right [right ventricular internal diameter in diastole +2.1 ± 0.1 mm, right atrial internal dimension +1.6 ± 0.1 mm, tricuspid V_max +1.0 ± 0.1 cm, and tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) −2.7 ± 0.2 mm] heart variables (P < 0.001). Compared to mild COVID-19, decline was significantly greater in moderate/severe disease, LVEF −1.1 ± 0.3 vs. −3.8 ± 0.3%; mitral E/e′ +3.2 ± 0.1 vs. +4.8 ± 0.1, tricuspid V_max +0.3 ± 0.1 vs. +1.0 ± 0.1 cm, and TAPSE −0.7 ± 0.2 vs. −2.7 ± 0.2 mm (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study shows impaired cardiac functions in severe and moderate COVID-19 compared to mild at hospital discharge and progressive decline in left and right heart functions at 3 months. Impairment is significantly greater in patients with moderate to severe disease.

Overview of Current International Recommendations for Echocardiography Exams During the Covid-19 Pandemic and Its Local Implementation in Austria

Since its first appearance in December 2019, the novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) has spread throughout the world at rapid pace causing the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Originating in the Chinese province Hubei, more than 91.8 million people globally have now been infected with the coronavirus and more than 1.966.000 patients have died thus far from Covid-19 (as of January 13th 2021). The virus spreads primarily by droplet infection as well as via aerosols during close physical contact. Particularly in medical examinations with close physical contact between examiner and patient, like echocardiography, the risk of contracting the virus is increased. Therefore, the use of personal protective equipment is recommended for the protection of patients and medical personnel alike. In this article, the current recommendations of international professional associations on the use of personal protective equipment and their local implementation are presented.

Combined dietary and exercise intervention for control of serum cholesterol in the workplace

PURPOSE

To elucidate a potential combined dietary and exercise intervention affect on cardiovascular risk reduction of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Headquarters employees.

DESIGN

A nonexperimental, longitudinal, clinical-chart review study (1987 to 1996) of an identified intervention group and a reference (not a control) group.

SETTING

The study group worked in an office environment and participated in the annual medical examinations.

SUBJECTS

An intervention group of 858 people with initially elevated serum cholesterol, and a reference group of 963 people randomly sampled from 10% of the study group.

MEASURES

Serum cholesterol data were obtained for both groups, respectively, from pre- and postintervention and annual examinations. The reference group was adjusted by statistical exclusion of potential intervention participants. Regression equations (cholesterol vs. study years) for the unadjusted/adjusted reference groups were tested for statistical significance.

INTERVENTION

An 8-week individualized, combined dietary and exercise program was instituted with annual follow-ups and was repeated where warranted.

RESULTS

Only the unadjusted (but not the adjusted) reference group with initial mean total serum cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dL shows a significant 9-year decline trend and significant beta coefficient tests. An intervention effect is suggested. Mean high density lipoprotein cholesterol rose slightly in the intervention group but was maintained in the reference group.

CONCLUSION

With potential design limitations, the NASA intervention program focusing on a high risk group may be associated to some degree, if not fully, with an overall cardiovascular risk profile improvement.