CARDIOPULMONARY IMPLICATIONS OF LONG COVID: PULMONOLOGY MEETS CARDIOLOGY

Abstract

Although there is growing evidence regarding severe, long-term cardiopulmonary damage in survivors of COVID, limited knowledge is available regarding cardiopulmonary consequences of long-term COVID.  This study applied a mixed-methods experimental design and utilized Previously SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals who were still presenting with the effects of cardiopulmonary sequelae (excess symptoms) 12 weeks later.  Biomarker analysis was used to assess the participants, which was done by pulmonologists and cardiologists in collaboration with one another.  The values of diffusion capacity of the lungs to carbon monoxide (DLCO) and left ventricular diastolic heart functioning were established to be significantly diminished, and the associations between the indicators of cardiac and pulmonary dysfunctions were quite significant, depending on the quantitative data.  The statistical modeling using the generalized estimating equations displayed interaction effect of FEV1 and LVEF on fatigue and dyspnea scores (p < 0.01).  The qualitative data obtained through structured interviews was used to highlight the physical constraints, the increased anxiety marking cardiopulmonary manifestations and the uncertainties in the event of establishing long-term recovery.  Individualized treatment was designed on the basis of integrated care teams and therapeutic strategies involved beta-blockers, anticoagulation, pulmonary rehabilitation, and psychosocial therapeutic modalities.  Three- and six-month follow-ups showed improvement in physiological and quality-of-life results in patients.  An interdisciplinary cooperation is also a possibility and the visual workflow (Fig. 1) reflects the full cycle of customized management following the hiring.  To be able to manage these sequelae significantly, the study highlights the importance of integrative diagnostic and treatment paradigms and suggests the fact that Long COVID has multidisciplinary cardiac impacts.