Coronavirus Updates

Before coming in for an appointment, please alert us if you: 

• are currently experiencing respiratory or flu-like symptoms
• have been in close contact with someone who has these symptoms
• have had nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in the last five days
• have had a sudden loss of smell or taste
• have a close family member that has been hospitalized in the last seven days

If you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) and have an appointment to see a CIS physician, please call the clinic in advance of your visit for additional instructions.

For additional resources, visit:

Louisiana Department of Health    |    Mississippi Department of Health    |    Center for Disease Control

For Patients Taking an ACE or ARB Medication:

On March 17, 2020, the American College of Cardiology, the Heart Failure Society of America and the American Heart Association issued a joint statement for patients diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension) or Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) amid the current pandemic of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

This statement addresses the concerns regarding current medications used to treat these disease processes.  These types of medications include ACE inhibitors (such as enalapril or isinopril) or ARBs (such as losartan or valsartan) or a combination of therapies such as (Entresto sacubitril/valsartan). These medications are for lowering blood pressure, while reducing the workload of the heart muscle. They also improve blood flow by relaxing blood vessels throughout the body.

There have been some concerns that these medications work on the site of action where the coronavirus enters the body.  In this joint statement, experts agree there is no clinical data showing that people who are taking ACEs or ARBs and have the COVID-19 infection have either a negative or  positive outcome.

The current recommendation is for patients who suffer from these conditions to continue to take their medications as instructed by their healthcare provider. Individuals with heart disease have a greater chance of serious illness and further complications if infected; therefore, it is recommended to remain on these medications as prescribed.

As always, please contact your healthcare provider prior to withholding any medications. In an effort to provide you with the highest quality of cardiovascular healthcare available, CIS is open 24/7 to answer any questions or provide additional information.