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Impact of COVID-19 on the Cardiovascular System: A Review
Kensuke Matsushita1,2, Benjamin Marchandot1, Laurence Jesel1,2
1Université de Strasbourg, Pôle d'Activité Médico-Chirurgicale Cardio-Vasculaire, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, 67091 Strasbourg, France.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic poses significant risks to patients with cardiovascular conditions. This review highlights the critical cardiovascular effects of COVID-19, including myocardial injury, and their association with mortality.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a global health emergency.
- Severe COVID-19 can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome.
- Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular comorbidities are at higher risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of COVID-19's impact on the cardiovascular system.
- To highlight key cardiovascular considerations in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
- To synthesize rapidly evolving data on SARS-CoV-2 and cardiac complications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on COVID-19 and cardiovascular effects.
- Analysis of data on myocardial injury markers (e.g., high-sensitivity troponin).
- Synthesis of information on mortality associated with cardiac complications.
Main Results:
- Acute myocardial injury is frequently observed in severe COVID-19 cases.
- Elevated troponin levels indicate myocardial injury and are linked to increased mortality.
- Cardiovascular comorbidities significantly increase vulnerability to severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Understanding COVID-19's cardiovascular effects is crucial for managing severe cases.
- Prompt recognition and management of cardiac complications are essential for improving patient outcomes.
- This review provides a summary of critical cardiovascular considerations for healthcare providers treating COVID-19 patients.
Abstract:
The recent outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has been declared a public health emergency of international concern. COVID-19 may present as acute respiratory distress syndrome in severe cases, and patients with pre-existing cardiovascular comorbidities are reported to be the most vulnerable. Notably, acute myocardial injury, determined by elevated high-sensitivity troponin levels, is commonly observed in severe cases, and is strongly associated with mortality. Therefore, understanding the effects of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system is essential for providing comprehensive medical care for critically ill patients. In this review, we summarize the rapidly evolving data and highlight the cardiovascular considerations related to COVID-19.
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