In this episode of Beatwise The Podcast, I, Dr. Sarah Birkhoelzer, am joined by Prof. Vass Vassiliou, cardiologist and lead author of the European Society of Cardiology’s Consensus Statement on Cardiovascular Disease in COVID-19. Together, we unpack what we now know about the cardiac consequences of COVID-19 and why the heart deserves as much attention as the lungs when it comes to long COVID.
We discuss the misconception that COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory disease and outline the growing evidence showing its significant cardiovascular impact. From chest pain and breathlessness to prolonged fatigue and dysautonomia-type symptoms, we explore how cardiac long COVID presents, who is most at risk, and what clinicians should be watching for.
The conversation also covers practical, evidence-based strategies for supporting heart health after COVID-19, including lifestyle measures, structured cardiac rehabilitation, and the protective role of vaccination. Prof. Vassiliou breaks down key insights from the ESC Consensus Statement and highlights what patients, healthcare professionals, and policymakers need to understand as cases of long COVID continue to evolve.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00: Welcome to Beatwise The Podcast
00:21: Introducing Prof. Vass Vassiliou
00:59: COVID-19: More Than a Respiratory Disease
01:56: What We Know About Cardiac Long COVID
04:01: Common Symptoms and Red Flags
06:46: Lifestyle & Rehab: Supporting Recovery
09:08: The Role of Vaccination in Reducing Risk
11:47: Key Takeaways from the ESC Consensus Statement
14:49: Final Thoughts
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to Beatwise The Podcast. Your support helps me reach more listeners and continue providing valuable content.
Don't forget to follow me on social media @sarah.theheartdoc for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more engaging discussions. Stay connected and be part of our growing community!
","author_name":"Sarah Birkhoelzer"}