As researchers continue to learn more about COVID-19, the American Heart Association (AHA) has launched a new patient data registry focused on studying associations between the virus and cardiovascular disease.
Beginning in May, the new registry will be free to use for participants in the AHA’s Get with the Guidelines (GWTG) quality improvement program for hospitals. Data can then be accessed through the group’s Institute for Precision Cardiovascular Medicine.
Studies have already revealed connections between COVID-19 and hypertension, heart failure, cardiogenic shock, cardiac injury and other significant outcomes—but the relatively small amount of data available at this time has limited such investigations.
“Having sufficient data is the first step to understanding the impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular health,” John Warner, MD, past volunteer president of the AHA and executive vice president for health system affairs at the University of Texas Southwestern Health System in Dallas, said in a statement. “As a trusted resource for data and research, with an entry point in more than 2,400 U.S. hospitals, the American Heart Association is uniquely positioned to gather data quickly and accurately.”
A comprehensive list of AHA resources related to COVID-19 is available on the group’s website.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.