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Published on: June 12, 2021
Cardiovascular complications in COVID-19
Brit Long1, William J Brady2, Alex Koyfman3
1Brooke Army Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, 3841 Roger Brooke Dr, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, United States.
Insights
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can cause significant cardiovascular complications, including heart failure and arrhythmias. Emergency clinicians must recognize these risks in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), presents with systemic inflammation and pulmonary issues.
- Beyond respiratory effects, cardiovascular complications are a significant concern in COVID-19 patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the spectrum of cardiovascular complications associated with COVID-19 infection.
- To inform emergency clinicians about potential cardiac manifestations in COVID-19 patients.
Main Methods:
- This report is a brief review of existing literature and clinical observations regarding COVID-19 and cardiovascular health.
- Analysis of reported cases and scientific literature on SARS-CoV-2 interactions with the cardiovascular system.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to systemic inflammation, multiorgan dysfunction, and critical illness.
- Cardiovascular complications include myocardial injury, myocarditis, acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, dysrhythmias, and venous thromboembolic events.
- Potential interactions between COVID-19 therapies and cardiovascular medications exist.
Conclusions:
- Emergency clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for cardiovascular complications in patients presenting with COVID-19.
- Prompt recognition and management of cardiac issues are crucial for improving outcomes in COVID-19 patients.
Background:
The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). While systemic inflammation and pulmonary complications can result in significant morbidity and mortality, cardiovascular complications may also occur.
Objective:
This brief report evaluates cardiovascular complications in the setting of COVID-19 infection.
Discussion:
The current COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in over one million infected worldwide and thousands of death. The virus binds and enters through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). COVID-19 can result in systemic inflammation, multiorgan dysfunction, and critical illness. The cardiovascular system is also affected, with complications including myocardial injury, myocarditis, acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, dysrhythmias, and venous thromboembolic events. Current therapies for COVID-19 may interact with cardiovascular medications.
Conclusions:
Emergency clinicians should be aware of these cardiovascular complications when evaluating and managing the patient with COVID-19.
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