Contact: Nicole Napoli, nnapoli@acc.org, 202-375-6523

Washington (Feb 13, 2020) -

The ACC has released a clinical bulletin addressing the cardiac implications of the novel Wuhan Coronavirus (COVID-19).

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 bulletin 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 stresses the importance for cardiovascular disease patients 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. In addition, the College has reached out to its partners and colleagues in China expressing our support as they work to address the growing epidemic.

View the bulletin here or email Nicole Napoli at nnapoli@acc.org for a PDF.

The bulletin was reviewed and approved by the ACC Science and Quality Oversight Committee.

The American College of Cardiology envisions a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes. As the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team, the mission of the College and its 54,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC bestows credentials upon cardiovascular professionals who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College also provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its world-renowned JACC Journals, operates national registries to measure and improve care, and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions. For more, visit acc.org.

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