Advances in the relationship between coronavirus infection and cardiovascular diseases

Mengmeng Zhao1, Menglong Wang1, Jishou Zhang1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China.

Insights

Coronaviruses, including COVID-19, can worsen cardiovascular disease and cause myocardial injury, leading to poor prognosis. Understanding these links is crucial for preventing and treating coronavirus infections.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Seven human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are known, including SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19.
  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is linked to increased incidence and severity of coronavirus infections.
  • Myocardial injury from coronavirus infection is a key factor in poor patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent clinical findings on the relationship between coronaviruses and cardiovascular diseases.
  • To discuss the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms involved.
  • To aid in the prevention and treatment strategies for COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent clinical studies.
  • Analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on coronavirus-CVD interactions.

Main Results:

  • Coronaviruses significantly impact cardiovascular health.
  • Myocardial injury is a common complication of coronavirus infections.
  • CVD exacerbates coronavirus disease severity and prognosis.

Conclusions:

  • There is a critical link between coronaviruses and cardiovascular diseases.
  • Understanding these interactions is vital for clinical management.
  • Further research can improve prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and related cardiac complications.

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
778
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
278
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease01:27

Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
270
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
528
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...
287
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
239