Cardiovascular system and COVID-19: perspectives from a developing country.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology
• Public Health

Background:

• The emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, has led to a global pandemic.
• COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system but is increasingly recognized for its cardiovascular implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the cardiovascular manifestations of COVID-19.
• To discuss the impact of cardiovascular co-morbidities on COVID-19 prognosis.
• To highlight the challenges in cardiovascular care delivery in developing countries during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on COVID-19 and cardiovascular involvement.
• Analysis of reported complications such as acute cardiac injury, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
• Discussion of potential mechanisms linking SARS-CoV-2 to cardiovascular disease.

Main Results:

• Cardiovascular complications are common in severe COVID-19 cases.
• Pre-existing cardiovascular conditions like hypertension worsen COVID-19 outcomes.
• The exact mechanisms of cardiac involvement by SARS-CoV-2 require further investigation.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 poses a significant threat to cardiovascular health globally.
• The pandemic exacerbates challenges in managing cardiovascular diseases, particularly in resource-limited settings.
• Integrated research is crucial to understand and mitigate the cardiovascular impact of COVID-19.