A ground-breaking study into the effects of COVID on ICU patients in has confirmed evidence that the virus is associated with impaired function of the right side of the heart.
According to the study investigations, these findings could play a vital role in not only saving the lives of COVID patients, but also help in treating potentially fatal heart and lung issues generally. The findings will also help preparations for any possible future pandemic.
The first of its kind, the COVID-RV study aimed to help improve future care and outcomes for those most at risk from COVID, by gaining a better understanding of the impact the virus has on the sickest patients who require invasive ventilation.
The study was carried out in 10 ICUs across Scotland, examining 121 critically ill patients who were receiving treatment on ventilators due to the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on their system.
The findings revealed that about a third of the patients in the study showed evidence of abnormalities in the right side of the heart – the area that pumps blood to the lungs.
The study’s lead author Dr Philip McCall said that “A combination of factors create the perfect storm for COVID” to damage the right side of the heart, with possibly fatal outcomes as the lungs are unwilling to receive blood due to the infection.
“This is a very difficult condition to spot, unless you are specifically looking for it. That is why the results of this study are so important. We now know that COVID is a problem associated with not just ventilation, but can affect the heart.”
Chief Investigator of the study Dr Ben Shelley said: “The study has revealed that there is no doubt COVID affects the heart and has a major impact on outcomes for the patient.
“However, now that we know this actually happens, and have a better understanding of how it affects people, we can plan for the future and put in place new care plans and treatments to help combat this.
“For example, ultrasound scans can be used differently to focus in on early warning signs and areas we now know to be at risk.
“If we are able to see these warning signs early enough, clinicians can explore the causes of any complications and start new treatments as soon as possible, potentially improving outcomes for the sickest COVID patients.
“This kind of knowledge is invaluable, not only in combatting any future waves of COVID but in planning for future pandemics to allow people to be treated more effectively. These findings also have several fascinating areas which could be expanded on to help care for other lung conditions in general.”
Nearly half of ventilated patients in the study (47%) died because of COVID, a figure that is comparable to national and international death rates. Experts leading the COVID-RV study from NHS Golden Jubilee said that the overall condition of a person’s heart can have a significant impact on how seriously you will be affected by the potentially deadly virus.
Source: University of Glasgow
