AHA, ACC release standard definition set for diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19

The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association have released a comprehensive set of data standards to help standardize definitions and set the framework to capture and better understand how COVID-19 impacts cardiovascular health.  

Individuals with cardiovascular risk factors or a preexisting cardiovascular condition are at greater risk for severe infection from COVID-19, and there is increased importance of understanding the acute and longitudinal impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular health. Unfortunately, there has not been clarity or consensus on definitions of cardiovascular conditions related to COVID-19. Broad agreement on common vocabulary and definitions is needed to pool or compare data from electronic health

records (EHRs), clinical registries, administrative datasets and other databases, and to assess whether these data are applicable to clinical practice and research endeavors.

This document is intended for use by researchers, registry developers and clinicians, and is proposed as a framework for ICD-10 code development of COVID–19–related cardiovascular conditions. The standards are also of great importance to patients, clinicians, investigators, scientists, administrators, public health officials, policymakers and payers.

The new data standard provides health care professionals a framework with which to lead conversations with their patients by standardizing terminology and attributes for the diagnosis of COVID-19; cardiovascular and noncardiovascular complications; symptoms and signs; diagnostic procedures; pharmacological therapy; preventive, therapeutic and supportive procedures; and end-of-life care management.

The 2022 AHA/ACC Key Data Elements and Definitions for Cardiovascular and Noncardiovascular Complications of COVID-19 will publish online in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. ET. It was endorsed by the Heart Failure Society of America and the Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions.

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The American College of Cardiology envisions a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes. As the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team, the mission of the College and its more than 56,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC bestows credentials upon cardiovascular professionals who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College also provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its world-renowned JACC Journals, operates national registries to measure and improve care, and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions. For more, visit acc.org. 

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.