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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other useful links
- Cardiac Society of Australia & New Zealand - Covid-19 resources
- European Society of Cardiology – Covid-19 and heart patients Q&A
- Ministry of Health – Covid-19 resources for health professionals
- Ministry of Health – risk assessment framework for identifying staff vulnerable to Covid-19 (PDF)
- Ministry of Health – facemasks in health care settings (updated 6 April 2020)
- Ministry of Health - Guidance on use of PPE in healthcare settings (updated 7 April 2020)
- The European Society of Cardiology – Covid-19 and cardiology
- World Heart Federation – Covid-19 resources
- American College of Cardiology – Covid-19 hub
- World Health Organisation
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.
- Covid-19 and heart disease FAQs
- Getting flu vaccination during lockdown
- Keeping the body and mind well in self-isolation
- Boosting your immune system