New research from the SETANTA (Study of heart disease and immunity after Covid-19 in Ireland) study

New research from the SETANTA (Study of heart disease and immunity after Covid-19 in Ireland) study, conducted by the Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI) at Mater Private Network, offers a reassuring outlook for those concerned about the long-term impact of Covid-19 on our heart health. 

The study aimed to investigate symptom burden and incidence of cardiac abnormalities after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (Sars-CoV-2)/Covid-19 and to correlate these results with biomarkers of immunological response and coagulation.

The largest study of its kind in Ireland, the research reveals that while many Irish patients continue to experience cardiac symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath, advanced tests show no significant long-term heart damage. 

The SETANTA study, conducted in collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) enrolled patients voluntarily through their GP practices. 

The study evaluated 100 patients, of which 64% were female. The mean age of the total cohort was 45.2 years; 83% of participants had at least one persistent symptom; and  96% had positive serology for prior Sars-CoV-2 infection. 

Rigorous testing, included cardiac MRI scans, blood tests, ECGs  and heart monitors. This new study confirmed that while over 80% of patients initially reported ongoing symptoms, results showed no signs of lasting heart damage. 

Prof Robert Byrne, director of cardiology at Mater Private Network, CVRI and chair of cardiovascular research at tRCSI, reflects on the positive results: “Though many people in Ireland continue to experience symptoms after Covid-19, we can now confidently say that the risk of long-term heart damage is very low. The improvement in symptoms over time, including chest pain and shortness of breath, is encouraging. Our findings will help shape future care for Irish patients while reassuring those who are still recovering.” 

This news brings relief to many in Ireland affected by long-Covid, offering hope for recovery. The study reinforces the importance of ongoing research into long-Covid and emphasises the need for continuous support for those who experience prolonged  symptoms. 

In conclusion, this study demonstrates that in patients recovering from Covid-19, cardiac abnormalities on CMR were not infrequent, though generally mild, with late gadolinium enhancement present in 2.2% and abnormal LVEF in 17.4% of patients. However, a prolonged inflammatory state and hypercoagulability was observed in a significant minority of patients. The authors commented that  further evaluation of the long-term natural history and clinical importance of these findings in survivors of acute Covid-19 is warranted, especially those with post-acute Covid-19 syndrome.

Reference: 1. Colleran R, Fitzgerald S, Rai H et al. Symptom burden, coagulopathy and heart disease after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in primary practice. Sci Rep 14, 21229 (2024). doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-71535-8