TCTMD’s Top 10 Most Popular Stories for May 2020

For the second month a row, all of our top 10 stories address some angle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Topping the list was a feature story polling physicians around the globe as to what they think the lasting impact will be on the field of cardiology. Others took a deeper look at thrombus formation in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the potential role of obesity in disease severity. Several COVID-19 buzz words and phrases also are in evidence: Kawasaki disease, RAAS inhibitors, autopsies, missing MIs, increased sudden deaths, pulmonary embolism, nonobstructive STEMI, and more

1. Cardiology After COVID-19: Physicians Predict Lasting Change

A new era for telemedicine, rebuilding patient trust, and an increase in efficiency of care were common themes.

2. German COVID-19 Autopsy Data Show Thromboembolism, ‘Heavy’ Lungs

The data support the idea that some patients may need anticoagulation to prevent pulmonary embolism.

              SEE ALSO: COVID-19 Autopsies Put Endothelial Damage, Angiogenesis in the Spotlight

3. How COVID-19 Promotes Thrombosis, Posing Problems for Drug-Drug Interactions

A review explores the higher risk of thrombotic disease with this coronavirus, how to prevent and treat it, plus research gaps.

4. COVID-19, ACE Inhibitors, and ARBs: Multiple Studies Show No Increased Risk

RAAS inhibitors also do lead not to more-severe COVID-19, providing reassurances for patients treated with the drugs.

5. Kawasaki Link to COVID-19 in Kids Probed as UK, New York Issue Alerts

Two pediatric cardiologists are convinced this is “something to be aware of,” with one urging echocardiographic follow-up.

              SEE ALSO: Even Very Sick Kids Fare Well Despite Kawasaki-Like COVID-19 Symptoms

6. Many STEMI Patients With COVID-19 Have No Obstructed Arteries

The finding supports anecdotal reports of STEMI mimics but not a role for fibrinolysis during the pandemic, one researcher says.

7. COVID-19: TCTMD’s Daily Dispatch

We’re curating a list of COVID-19 research, health policy news, and other useful content, and updating it daily.

8. ‘Terrible’ Spike in Cardiac Arrest Deaths During Lombardy’s COVID-19 Surge

Investigators believe theirs are the first published data showing high numbers of at-home cardiac arrests amid the pandemic.

              SEE ALSO: On Record: Missing STEMIs Amid COVID-19 

9. Obesity and COVID-19: Theories and Blame Fill the Scientific Void

Obesity is the latest theory du jour for why some SARS-CoV-2 infections take a deadlier course, particularly in the young.

10. Pulmonary Embolism in COVID-19 Patients: New Numbers, Little Consensus

A French series is putting PE in the spotlight, but the optimal anticoagulation strategy remains unknown.

All of TCTMD’s COVID-19 coverage—news, videos, and podcasts—can be found on our COVID-19 Hub.