COVID -19 is a virus that affects the upper respiratory system and may involve associated cardiovascular complications, particularly with the elderly, patients with known heart disease, and/ or those with depressed immune systems. According to the American College of Cardiology “ The specific effects of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system remain unclear, though there have been reports of acute cardiac injury, arrhythmias, hypotension, tachycardia, and a high proportion of concomitant cardiovascular disease in infected individuals, particularly those who require more intensive care” (1).
Coronary artery disease and heart failure (HF) patients are at increased risk of acute events resulting from viral respiratory infections. If there are other comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, COPD, and kidney disease, the risk increases even further.
The use of ultrasound can provide a rapid and safe method to diagnose lung and cardiac conditions associated with the Coronavirus resulting with decreased time to treatment, increased patient safety, and improved over-all patient outcomes during this challenging time.
2-Dimensional focused cardiac ultrasound provides valuable information relating to cardiac size and function, structural anatomy, cardiomyopathies, pericardial disease, wall motion abnormalities associated with ischemic heart disease, etiology of heart failure, and assessment of volume status; all which can contribute to timely and accurate diagnosis.
The entire team at Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute is committed to providing the educational resources medical professionals need. That is why we are featuring a three-part live stream webinar series focused on point-of-care ultrasound applications. This series includes Lung Ultrasound, Focused Cardiac Ultrasound and RUSH Ultrasound. This series is being offered for free to anyone interested. Visit www.gcus.com or follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for more information.
Stay healthy and thank you for your continued dedication to your patients and our communities during this unprecedented time.
