Conclusiones. COVID-19, del juicio clínico a la evidencia científica

Abstract

In December 2019, clinicians in China first observed cases of pneumonia whose cause was identified as a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. This virus causes COVID-19 disease, which has a virulence and transmission rate that, coupled with the absence of a vaccine or specific treatment, has had an unprecedented impact on health systems.

COVID-19 can cause serious cardiovascular disease. Patients with cardiovascular risk factors or with an underlying cardiovascular condition form a particularly vulnerable population with a very high risk of complications and death. However, these patients had to be treated on the basis of very limited or nonexistent scientific evidence.

This supplement discusses the pathophysiology of COVID-19, the direct and indirect mechanisms of associated cardiovascular disease, and the different types of cardiovascular complications that can occur. It also summarizes Spanish Society of Cardiology publications that have been produced to provide a practical response to the resulting complex health-care situation.

In addition, the supplement describes how outpatient care can be reorganized in the future to ensure continuity of care, principally through telemedicine. Finally, the different types of pharmacological treatment available are discussed, along with their potential interactions. This supplement, which contains a series of articles prepared by influential authors, summarizes current knowledge about this disease and provides data and Información of great practical value.