EP130: COVID-19 From A Cardiologist's Perspective

Welcome to my podcast. I am Doctor Warrick Bishop, and I want to help you to live as well as possible for as long as possible. I’m a practising cardiologist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the creator of The Healthy Heart Network. I have over 20 years as a specialist cardiologist and a private practice of over 10,000 patients. Podcast Summary Introduction Dr. Warrick is a practicing cardiologist and author dedicated to improving patient care through heart health education. In this episode, he addresses COVID-19 from a cardiological perspective, focusing on practical guidance for patients during the pandemic and clarifying misconceptions about blood pressure medications and COVID-19 risk. Key Takeaways: Phone consultations have become a vital tool for delivering healthcare during COVID-19, with the Australian government quickly implementing this option to maintain patient care while people isolate at home. For phone consultations to work effectively, patients should be punctual, find a quiet location free from interruptions, and consider using speakerphone so family members or carers can participate. First consultations are best conducted face-to-face when possible, as they require building rapport and reading non-verbal cues; however, phone consultations work well for follow-ups, especially for elderly, frail, or mobility-impaired patients. Patients should prepare for phone consultations by writing a list of issues they want to discuss and presenting them early in the call, along with an up-to-date medication list, to maximize the limited time available. A study in The Lancet suggesting ACE inhibitors increase COVID-19 risk was purely theoretical and lacked supporting evidence; the paper did not even verify whether hypertensive patients were taking these medications. Blood pressure medications, including ACE inhibitors and angiotensin-2 receptor blockers, should not be discontinued, as hypertension and diabetes rates in COVID-19 patients match general population rates with no clear evidence of increased risk. Patients should organize a sensible 4-6 week supply of medications by liaising with their pharmacist and potentially arranging delivery, allowing delivered medications to sit for four days to eliminate any viral contamination. Hoarding medications selfishly and unnecessarily—such as clearing pharmacy shelves of Ventolin inhalers or other essential medications—deprives vulnerable patients of life-saving treatments and represents thoughtless behavior during the crisis. Patients should follow standard COVID-19 precautions including hand washing, social distancing, and avoiding contact with people recently on cruise ships, while maintaining sensible preparation without overreacting.