COVID-19 and Cardiovascular Disease: a Global Perspective

Abstract

Purpose of Review This review aims to assess the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), trying to assess the possible future trajectory of the CVDs and their management. Recent Findings The COVID-19 pandemic has had a deleterious impact on the CV risk factors, with an increase in both sedentary and unhealthy food habits. The fear of contagion has decreased the access to the emergency systems with an increase in out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrests and late presentation of acute myocardial infarctions. The closure of the non-urgent services has delayed cardiac rehabilitation programmes and chronic clinical care. Summary As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the population habits and on the management of CVDs, we will probably face an increase in CVD and heart failure cases. It is crucial to use all the non-traditional approaches, such as telemonitoring systems, in order to overcome the difficulties raised by the pandemic.

Reshaping care in the aftermath of the pandemic. Implications for cardiology health systems

“…There is diverse evidence documenting a significant decrease in physical activity during major confinements; on average, from March to April 2020, there was a 45.2% decrease in physical activity reported in papers from the UK, USA, Australia and Poland [ 56 ]. This trend appears to be replicated in paediatric and adolescent populations (5 to 13 years of age), with information coming from parental reports [ 57 ].…”

Selección de lo mejor del año 2021 en riesgo vascular y rehabilitación cardiaca

“…El confinamiento provocó sedentarismo y modificaciones en la dieta con el consiguiente aumento de peso, probablemente favorecido también por factores psicológicos como ansiedad y depresión 4 . Hay publicaciones que muestran las variaciones en el control de diabetes, hipertensión arterial e hiperlipemia, con datos heterogéneos, pero con la advertencia unánime de que debemos actuar cuanto antes para evitar en los próximos años asistir a un aumento de la patología cardiovascular, consecuencia de la situación actual 5 .…”

Cognitive decline among older adults with heart diseases before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal cohort study

“…Heart diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults ( 4 ). During the pandemic, most outpatient visits, elective procedures, cardiac rehabilitation, and telemedicine programs have been canceled or postponed to prioritize the care of patients with COVID-19 ( 5 , 6 ). The reduced access to healthcare has affected the vulnerable population with heart disease.…”