April 28, 2021
The largest study to date to track COVID-19 survivors for signs and symptoms of new-onset heart failure (HF) has found that new diagnoses are rare following hospitalization for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, but in a small and worrying subset, HF appears to arise without any previous underlying disease or risk factors.
The potential for SARS-CoV-2 to have a direct impact on the heart has been a recurring topic over the past 14 months, as has debate over who and how to follow patients for possible persistent cardiac damage. Moreover, other viral illnesses such as influenza have also been known to precipitate new HF, the authors note in a research letter published in the
Study Shows Heart Issues Resulting From COVID-19 Not as Prevalent in Athletes as Previously Reported
Fewer than one percent of college athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 developed heart-related problems, according to a recent study published in the American Heart Association’s journal, Circulation, on April 17.
The prospective observational study involved 3,018 COVID-positive athletes from 42 colleges or universities across 26 sports. Data on the “prevalence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 cardiac involvement” were collected from Sept. 1, 2020 to Dec. 21, 2020.
Most of the athletes (2,820) received at least one of the three screening protocols that consist of an electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram (ultrasound), or a blood test for troponin protein, followed by a cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) if “clinically indicated.” The rest of the 198 athletes underwent only a cardiac MRI.
An injection of jelly could help treat worn-out joints. Scientists hope the jab, using jelly found in donated umbilical cords, will stimulate the growth of cushioning cartilage once injected into the knees of patients with osteoarthritis.
Tests on animals suggest the jelly called Wharton’s jelly can potentially reverse damage to joints caused by the condition. A trial of 12 patients will test its effect in humans.
Around nine million people in the UK have osteoarthritis, where cartilage breaks down, meaning bones rub together, causing inflammation and pain. The main cause is ageing, as joints suffer wear and tear. Other risk factors include being overweight, family history and sports injuries.
Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients Have Mild Risk of Heart Failure by Angela Mohan on April 27, 2021 at 5:28 PM
Doctors should be aware of this potential complication. The study, published in the
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, may suggest more monitoring of heart failure symptoms among patients hospitalized with COVID-19. This is one of the largest studies to date to specifically capture instances of new heart failure diagnosis among patients hospitalized with COVID-19. While rare, the finding of new heart failure was more common among patients with preexisting cardiovascular risk factors or disease.
We should know how SARS-CoV-2 may directly affect the cardiovascular system and precipitate new heart failure- as to whether it is an indirect effect of critical illness or direct viral invasion, says lead researcher Anu Lala, MD, Director of Heart Failure Research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Symptoms of heart failure namely shortness of breath can mimic symptoms associated with COVID-19
New York: Patients hospitalised with COVID-19 may be at risk of developing heart failure even if they do not have a previous history of heart disease or cardiovascular risk factors, according to a new study.
While these instances are rare, doctors should be aware of this potential complication, said the team at Mount Sinai Hospital in the US. There were select individuals who developed new heart failure without risk factors or disease. We need to learn more about how SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) may directly affect the cardiovascular system and precipitate new heart failure - as to whether it is an indirect effect of critical illness or direct viral invasion, said lead researcher Anu Lala, Director of Heart Failure Research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.