American College of Cardiology Issues Clinical Bulletin on Cardiac Implications of Coronavirus

American College of Cardiology (ACC) has released a clinical bulletin addressing the cardiac implications of the novel Wuhan Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

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 2019-nCoV uncertainty.

In particular, the bulletin notes that “in geographies with active 2019-nCoV 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 2019-nCoV 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 Clinical Bulletin on Cardiac Implications of Coronavirus.

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