Cardiac involvement is increasingly recognised to play a part in the late effects of COVID-19 infection (also known as the 'long COVID'). The scientific data on persistent heart inflammation and post-infection damage, even in cases with only mild acute illness, is increasing, explaining the exercise intolerance and potentially signalling the future development of heart failure.
Dr Puntmann is the lead author of the landmark publications on 'COVID-19 involvement in the heart', published in JAMA Cardiology 2020 and Nature Medicine 2022. She co-authored the first societal statement on clinical management of COVID-related cardiac complications the 2022 ACC Expert Consensus Decision Pathway on Cardiovascular Sequelae of COVID-19 in Adults. Cardiac magnetic resonance is the diagnostic test of choice for inflammatory cardiomyopathies, as it is very sensitive to detect inflammation directly within the tissue of the heart. It also helps to uncover pre-existing conditions, such as cardiomyopathies and ischaemic heart disease. In the video below, Dr Puntmann explains the typical findings in the heart in a young patient with Long COVID symptoms. |
Dr Puntmann contributed numerous lectures on cardiac involvement in the aftermath of COVID-19 infection. In this recording of an invited lecture, Dr Puntmann explains the nature of involvement, the findings of various studies and how to apply the current knowledge to help patients with postCOVID symptoms.
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