Management of heart failure patients with COVID-19: a joint position paper of the Chinese Heart Failure Association & National Heart Failure Committee and the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology

Eur J Heart Fail. 2020 Jun;22(6):941-956. doi: 10.1002/ejhf.1915. Epub 2020 Jul 13.

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is causing considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Multiple reports have suggested that patients with heart failure (HF) are at a higher risk of severe disease and mortality with COVID-19. Moreover, evaluating and treating HF patients with comorbid COVID-19 represents a formidable clinical challenge as symptoms of both conditions may overlap and they may potentiate each other. Limited data exist regarding comprehensive management of HF patients with concomitant COVID-19. Since these issues pose serious new challenges for clinicians worldwide, HF specialists must develop a structured approach to the care of patients with COVID-19 and be included early in the care of these patients. Therefore, the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology and the Chinese Heart Failure Association & National Heart Failure Committee conducted web-based meetings to discuss these unique clinical challenges and reach a consensus opinion to help providers worldwide deliver better patient care. The main objective of this position paper is to outline the management of HF patients with concomitant COVID-19 based on the available data and personal experiences of physicians from Asia, Europe and the United States.

Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus; Diagnosis; Heart failure; Management; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus*
  • COVID-19
  • Cardiology*
  • China
  • Comorbidity
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Coronavirus Infections / therapy
  • Disease Management*
  • Europe
  • Heart Failure / epidemiology
  • Heart Failure / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Pandemics*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / therapy
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Societies, Medical*