Emerging evidence suggests that COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, elicits a wide range of cardiovascular-related complications, including myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), ventricular failure, myocardial infarction (heart attack), and others. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 virus particles have been found in the myocardium and vascular endothelium of some COVID-19 patients. Findings from a recent study suggest that cardiac abnormalities are present in roughly half of all COVID-19 patients.

The authors of the study conducted an online survey of sonographers and clinicians performing echocardiography (an ultrasound of the heart) on more than 1,200 patients with either confirmed or a high probability of COVID-19 in 69 countries. The sonographers and clinicians responded to a series of questions about the patients' demographics, the reason for and results of the echocardiogram, and whether the results influenced subsequent treatment of the patient.

The authors found that the patients were between the ages of 52 and 71 years, and the majority (70 percent) were male. Patients with an abnormal echocardiogram were more likely to have ischemic heart disease, heart failure, or valvular heart disease, but were equally likely to have hypertension or diabetes mellitus, compared to patients with a normal echocardiogram. The surveys revealed that left or right ventricular abnormalities were observed in more than half (55 percent) of all patients. These abnormalities were severe in 14 percent of the patients. A change in treatment occurred for roughly one-third of patients subsequent to their echocardiogram.

These findings suggest that cardiovascular complications commonly occur during COVID-19 illness, and imaging studies can influence treatment. These findings suggest that cardiovascular complications commonly occur during COVID-19 illness, and imaging studies can influence treatment. Learn more about COVID-19 in these Q&As featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick, posted April 14 and June 10.

• Link to full study.