Session Highlights
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
Who should watch?
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.
Infectious Diseases & CVD – FAQ
- Does COVID-19 raise cardiovascular risk after recovery?
- Yes. Follow-up shows persistent symptoms and elevated events (e.g., thromboembolism). Likely drivers include endothelial injury and hypercoagulability.
- Who is at highest risk of complications?
- Older adults and people with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or existing CVD—but clinicians should screen broadly; risk is not confined to the “usual suspects.”
- What integration works in practice?
- Embed BP/glucose monitoring in infectious-disease pathways, scale nurse-led teleconsultations, task-share at primary care, and ensure interoperable data across programs.
- What should front-line teams do during surges?
- 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.
- How can specialists help day-to-day?
- Include vaccination and early-treatment guidance in clinic letters; flag infection control as a cardiovascular risk modifier to prompt timely GP/community action.