Covid-19 and CVD clinical resources

A collection of resources on Covid-19 and cardiovascular disease for health professionals and related information for patients.

Clinical resources

Guidance on myocarditis and pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) has issued the following updated guidance on myocarditis and pericarditis after Covid 19 vaccinations. Updated August 2021.

Read the advice (PDF)

Cardiovascular disease and Covid-19: Australian and New Zealand consensus statement – April 2020

A consensus statement summarising current available data on Covid-19 and cardiovascular disease has been published in the Medical Journal of Australia. 

The statement highlights issues of Covid-19 complications in cardiac patients and advises health services on ways they can minimise transmission risk while continuing to deliver cardiac care. It is a ‘living document’ and will be updated as more information becomes available.

The statement is endorsed by:

  • Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ)
  • The Heart Foundation of Australia
  • High Blood Pressure Research Council of Australia
  • Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons

Read the consensus statement

Rural and remote cardiology during the Covid-19 pandemic – CSANZ consensus statement

CSANZ has released a consensus statement on the management of cardiac services in remote and rural parts of New Zealand and Australia. It advises on ways for health boards, cardiologists, and government agencies to minimise the impact of Covid 19 on the already vulnerable cardiovascular health of the population in these areas.

Download the consensus statement (PDF)

Consensus statement for patients with genetic heart disease and Covid-19

The Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand has released a statement on managing genetic heart disease patients during the Covid-19 outbreak. Published 7 April 2020. It includes specific recommendations for Cardiomyopathies, Brugada Syndrome, Long QT Syndrome, and Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT).

Download the consensus statement (PDF)

Covid-19 and acute heart failure: screening the critically ill

The Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand has released guidance on screening for acute heart failure in critically ill Covid-19 patients. Published 14 April 2020.

Download the guidelines (PDF)

Echocardiography services during the Covid-19 pandemic

The Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand has released a position statement on echo services during the Covid-19 pandemic in Australia and New Zealand. Published 30 March 2020.

Download the guidelines (PDF)

Guidelines for interventional cardiology services delivery during Covid-19 pandemic in Australia and New Zealand

The Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand has published consensus guidelines for interventional cardiology service delivery during Covid-19 pandemic in Australia and New Zealand. Published 29 March 2020.

Download the guidelines (PDF)

Management of cardiac electrophysiology and cardiac implantable electronic devices during Covid-19

The Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand has released a living document on the management of cardiac electrophysiology and cardiac implantable electronic devices in Australia during the Covid-19 pandemic. Version 2 published 9 April 2020. First published 26 March 2020.

Download the guidelines (PDF)

Other useful links

Resources for patients

Free patient phone line

The Heart Foundation has a nurse-run free phone line for advice about heart conditions and can give information on Covid-19 and the heart.

The Heart Helpline is available on 0800 863 375 Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm.

On weekends or public holidays, patients can email hearthealthinfo@heartfoundation.org.nz.

Online Covid-19 information

We also have a number of information pages for cardiac patients about Covid-19. These will be updated in coming weeks.

Other quick links