2:30 PM – 3:30 PM – SESSION 2
Nuevas perspectivas y orientaciones futuras en enfermedades infecciosas y salud cardiovascular
Puntos destacados de la sesión
In this WHF Heart Café conversation, Dorairaj Prabhakaran moderates a panel with Karen Sliwa, Kavita Singh, and Sven Schellberg on the bidirectional links between infectious diseases (COVID-19, influenza, HIV) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The discussion covers evidence on post-infection cardiovascular risk, the burden of long COVID, and pragmatic models for integrated, resilient health systems—including nurse-led teleconsultations, primary-care strengthening, and data interoperability in low- and middle-income settings.
Principales conclusiones
Infections can precipitate CVD events
Prior influenza and COVID-19 are associated with higher short-term risk of myocardial infarction and other events; people with CVD/risk factors faced ~3× higher COVID-19 mortality.
Long COVID is a cardiovascular issue
In a multi-country WHF cohort, 56% reported ≥1 symptom at 1 month (fatigue, dyspnea, chest pain, palpitations, anxiety); ~25% persisted at 9–12 months, with notable new diagnoses (e.g., pulmonary embolism, CKD, hypertension).
Endothelium & thrombosis
Omicron-era disease shows endothelial dysfunction and a pro-thrombotic milieu, helping explain late thrombotic events and some sudden deaths outside hospital.
Act early, at first contact
The “window of opportunity” in viral illness is short—equip nurses, CHWs, and GPs with protocols and decision support for timely assessment and treatment.
Integration beats silos
Intentionally embed BP/glucose checks and CVD risk management into infectious-disease pathways; use nurse-led telehealth and task-sharing to maintain chronic care during surges.
Systems levers
Prioritize interoperable data, medicine supply chains (e.g., insulin), patient navigation, and protection of vulnerable groups to sustain UHC goals.
Capacity & preparedness
Multi-country research networks build skills and evidence; keep COVID-19 learnings alive to prepare for the next pandemic.
¿Quién debe verlo?
Cardiologists, GPs, nurses, public-health teams, policymakers, patient advocates, and digital-health leaders working on long COVID, thrombosis/endothelium, hypertension/diabetes programs, and integrated infectious-disease–CVD care in diverse health systems.
Enfermedades infecciosas y ECV - FAQ
- ¿Aumenta COVID-19 el riesgo cardiovascular tras la recuperación?
- Yes. Follow-up shows persistent symptoms and elevated events (e.g., thromboembolism). Likely drivers include endothelial injury and hypercoagulability.
- ¿Quién corre mayor riesgo de complicaciones?
- Older adults and people with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or existing CVD—but clinicians should screen broadly; risk is not confined to the “usual suspects.”
- ¿Qué integración funciona en la práctica?
- Embed BP/glucose monitoring in infectious-disease pathways, scale nurse-led teleconsultations, task-share at primary care, and ensure interoperable data across programs.
- ¿Qué deben hacer los equipos de primera línea durante las oleadas?
- Use simple, early protocols at first contact; triage for thrombotic risk; maintain access to essential meds via robust supply chains; and provide clear patient navigation.
- ¿Cómo pueden ayudar los especialistas en el día a día?
- Include vaccination and early-treatment guidance in clinic letters; flag infection control as a cardiovascular risk modifier to prompt timely GP/community action.