Praxis Medical Insights

Est. 2024 • Clinical Guidelines Distilled

Made possible by volunteer editors from the University of Calgary & University of Alberta

Last Updated: 9/1/2025

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Concerns in Patients

Musculoskeletal Chest Pain Conditions

  • The American Heart Association notes that costochondritis, rib injury, slipping rib syndrome, sternal injury, intercostal myofascial injury, myositis, enterovirus epidemic myalgia, psychogenic chest pain, dysfunctional breathing/hyperventilation, and precordial catch syndrome are all potential causes of musculoskeletal chest pain 1

Respiratory Concerns

  • The American Thoracic Society recognizes hypoxemia, desaturation, dyspnea, tachypnea, hyperpnea, stridor, wheezing, coughing, and hemoptysis as respiratory concerns that require clinical evaluation and follow-up 1

Cardiovascular Concerns

  • The American College of Cardiology states that heart failure, cardiomegaly, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, and coronary artery disease risk are all cardiovascular concerns that may be associated with chronic cough 1, 2
  • The American College of Cardiology also notes that myocarditis, pericarditis, and left or right ventricular dysfunction are severe cardiac illnesses that can occur with COVID-19 3, 4
  • The American College of Cardiology recommends that patients with acute COVID-19 infection, prior COVID-19 infection, COVID-19 reinfection, and multisystem inflammatory syndrome require comprehensive evaluation and management 3, 4, 5, 6

Other Clinical Concerns

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that epistaxis, poor feeding, anorexia nervosa, failure to thrive, hypercyanotic spell, fatigue/lassitude, delayed development, headache, decreased exercise tolerance, acrocyanosis, breath-holding spells, and ascites are all clinical concerns that require further investigation and management 1

Ophthalmic Concerns

  • The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that retinal artery occlusion and ophthalmic artery occlusion are potentially associated with stroke risk and require urgent evaluation 7
  • The American Diabetes Association recommends comprehensive evaluation of comorbidities for patients with chronic conditions, and routine vaccinations should be provided as indicated by age 9
  • The American College of Chest Physicians notes that thorough diagnostic evaluation for patients with cough is necessary to mitigate complications 2

REFERENCES

← Return to Home