The bulletin provides background on the epidemic, which was first reported in late December 2019, and looks at early cardiac implications from case reports. It also provides information on the potential cardiac implications from analog viral respiratory pandemics and offers early clinical guidance given current COVID-19 uncertainty.
In particular, the update notes that "in geographies with active COVID-19 transmission (mainly China), it is reasonable to advise patients with underlying cardiovascular disease of the potential increased risk and to encourage additional, reasonable precautions.
"It also stresses the importance for patients with cardiovascular disease to "remain current with vaccinations, including the pneumococcal vaccine given the increased risk of secondary bacterial infection" and suggests encouraging the "influenza vaccination to prevent another source of fever which could be initially confused with coronavirus infection."
Of note, the COVID-19 is a fast-moving epidemic with an uncertain clinical profile and providers should be prepared for guidance to shift as more information becomes available. The ACC will be updating the bulletin as appropriate.
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