COVID-19 for the Cardiologist: Basic Virology, Epidemiology, Cardiac Manifestations, and Potential Therapeutic

Deepak Atri1, Hasan K Siddiqi1, Joshua P Lang1

  • 1Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

Insights

This review covers the latest data on Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2. It details the virus

Area of Science:

  • Virology and Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has become a global pandemic.
  • The pandemic has severely impacted healthcare systems, economies, and led to significant mortality.
  • Rapid scientific and clinical efforts are advancing the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current data on the mechanism of COVID-19 disease.
  • To translate basic science understanding to clinical manifestations and potential therapeutics.
  • To focus on cardiovascular complications and proposed mechanisms of injury.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature and data.
  • Analysis of virology, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations.
  • Exploration of multiorgan consequences and outcomes, with a focus on cardiovascular effects.

Main Results:

  • Discussion of the basic virology and epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2.
  • Detailed examination of clinical manifestations and multiorgan impact.
  • Identification of potential mechanisms underlying cardiovascular complications.

Conclusions:

  • The understanding of SARS-CoV-2 virology and disease mechanisms is crucial for clinical management.
  • Cardiovascular complications are a significant concern with proposed injury pathways.
  • Insights into disease mechanisms support the development of potential disease-modifying therapies.

Related Concept Videos

Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
119
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
228
Endocarditis III: Medical Management01:18

Endocarditis III: Medical Management

Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
159
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
293
Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management01:29

Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management

Assessment: Nursing management of patients with cardiomyopathy begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's history, including a family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death, personal history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and any alcohol consumption or drug use.During the physical examination, assess vital signs, look for signs of heart failure (such as edema, jugular venous distention, and cyanosis), auscultate for abnormal heart sounds (like murmurs and gallops),...
229
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
413