Cardiovascular disease prevention and management in COVID-19: a clinical consensus statement of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology, the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging, the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions, the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions, and the Heart Failure Association of the ESC

The coronavirus-associated disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed significant challenges due to the complex interplay between SARS-CoV-2 infection and cardiovascular disease. COVID-19 can trigger and exacerbate cardiovascular complications, observed both during the acute phase of infection and in the post-acute phase, with some individuals developing long-term sequelae collectively termed Long COVID. Additionally, reinfection and adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines may contribute to cardiovascular events. This clinical consensus statement, developed by associations of the European Society of Cardiology, aims to provide a comprehensive overview of cardiovascular prevention strategies across all stages of COVID-19. These include addressing cardiovascular risk associated with acute infection, prior infection, Long COVID, reinfection, and post-vaccination events. Key recommendations focus on preventing and managing cardiovascular manifestations in patients with acute or prior COVID-19, implementing targeted cardiovascular rehabilitation, and introducing interventions to mitigate the severity of Long COVID. The document also emphasizes lifestyle modifications and personalized therapeutic approaches to enhance patient outcomes. Given the evolving nature of COVID-19 and its long-term cardiovascular implications, ongoing research is crucial to address existing knowledge gaps, optimize preventive strategies, and improve patient care. Future studies should prioritize the individualization of preventive measures for diverse populations, refine rehabilitation strategies, and advance long-term cardiovascular care, ensuring that evidence-based practices continue to evolve alongside emerging data.