COVID-19 and persistent cardiovascular effects

COVID-19 has brought an unprecedented crisis to public health globally and is still impacting millions of people from over 200 countries. Despite its onset as a respiratory infection by SARS-CoV-2, cardiovascular injury is common in COVID-19 disease, possibly mediated by inflammation, myocardial necrosis, coagulation disorders and hypoxia. Recent reports have shown myocardial damage (inflammation and fibrosis) in the majority of recovered patients after 2-3 months. As these markers predict outcomes (especially heart failure), it is likely that there will be ongoing cardiac disability in patients who recover from the acute illness. The primary objective of this project is to address an important unmet need in COVID-19, which is to develop a risk-guidance strategy for managing patients post-COVID-19 infection. To achieve this goal, I will lead 3 major studies with a stepping plan to reach the primary objective: 1. Study 1: a series of prospective studies to determine the causal relationship between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease, and early detection of left ventricular dysfunction post-COVID 2. Study 2: development of risk prediction models for COVID-19 survivors 3. Study 3: investigate impact of risk on effectiveness of intervention and determinants of functional recovery post-COVID, thereby developing a risk-guidance strategy for managing COVID-19 survivors This project will result in a clinical screening tool for high-risk patients post COVID-19 infection, and an effective and innovative model of healthcare to reduce progression of myocardial damage and prevent progression to HF in COVID-19 survivors. It will begin the process of identifying management responses to this problem. This information will be of value in designing screening and management strategies in patients who have recovered from COVID-19.