Half of patients with covid-19 show abnormalities in heart function, a new study has suggested.

Most patients had no known heart disease before the study, with researchers warning the damage could be a result of the virus. 

Researchers at Edinburgh University found that around one in seven people who had the virus showed severe heart abnormalities likely to have a major effect on their survival and recovery.

One in three patient who received an echocardiography scan – a type of ultrasound which examines the heart – had their treatment changed as a result.

This included being given medicines for heart failure, or more careful control of fluids and therapy designed to support heart function, which could help save lives and prevent long-term damage.

Professor Marc Dweck, British Heart Foundation Senior Lecturer and Consultant Cardiologist at the University of Edinburgh, said covid-19 was a complex disease which can profound effects on many parts of the body, including the heart.

“Many doctors have been hesitant to order echocardiograms for patients with covid-19 because it’s an added procedure which involves close contact with patients,” he said.

“Our work shows that these scans are important – they improved the treatment for a third of patients who received them.” 

The study, published in the European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging, examined the results of echocardiograms from 1216 covid-19 patients from 69 countries.

Over half – 55% – of patients, including those with pre-existing heart disease, showed abnormal changes in the way their heart was pumping.

However the majority – around 80% – had no known heart disease before the study and showed similar changes.

Professor Dweck said while damage to the heart is known to occur in severe flu, it was a surprise to see so many covid patients with damage to their heart and severe dysfunction.

“We now need to understand the exact mechanism of this damage, whether it is reversible and what the long-term consequences of covid-19 infection are on the heart.”

Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, British Heart Foundation Associate Medical Director and Consultant Cardiologist, added: “Severe covid-19 illness can result in damage to the heart and circulatory system. We urgently need to understand more about why this is happening so we can provide appropriate care – both short and long term.

“This global study – carried out at the height of the pandemic –shows that we must be on the lookout for heart complications in people with covid-19 so that we can adapt their treatment, if needed."

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