The Impact of COVID-19 on Patients with Reduced Heart Function

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Project Overview

We know from cases around the world that patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who have pre-existing medical conditions face significantly increased risks of life-threatening complications and death.

Patients with reduced heart function may be particularly at risk as data indicates that severe COVID-19 infections can cause heart muscle damage and heart failure.

Many high-risk patients are not attending regular medical reviews due to these heightened risks. It is essential that we better understand the impact of COVID-19 itself, and the preventative social distancing and isolation on these vulnerable patients.

Dr John Rivers, a Cardiologist at St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital, aims to answer this important question by conducting a novel research project involving 100 patients with reduced heart function who are diagnosed with COVID-19.

Using smartphone technology to avoid the need to attend healthcare facilities, the impact of COVID-19 infection on measured heart function and symptoms of heart failure will be monitored over a period of six months.

Patients Required

Estimated completion

May 2021

Total participants

100

Study location

St Andrew's Hospital

Project Aim

This study aims to help establish early intervention strategies to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on these high-risk patients. Through the use of smartphone technology, patients will be monitored for symptoms of progressive heart deterioration over a period of six months.

Project Impact

The data obtained in the study will identify patients with COVID-19 who are at high risk of deterioration in heart function and will establish effective strategies for early intervention to minimise the impact of COVID-19 in these high-risk patients.

Researchers

This study will help establish early intervention or improved treatment strategies to minimise the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on these high-risk patients.

Dr John Rivers
Cardiologist & Lead Researcher