2019 novel Coronavirus: current knowledge, cardiovascular implications and management

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology

Background:

• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in late 2019, rapidly leading to a global pandemic.
• Understanding SARS-CoV-2's unique characteristics and high transmissibility is crucial for effective public health responses.
• Previous highly pathogenic coronaviruses caused significant outbreaks, necessitating comparative analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate SARS-CoV-2 from previous highly pathogenic coronaviruses.
• To elucidate the clinical presentation and diagnostic strategies for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To review the cardiovascular implications of COVID-19, including direct myocardial injury and related pathophysiology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on SARS-CoV-2 characteristics, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and cardiovascular effects.
• Analysis of the virus's interaction with the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) pathway.
• Examination of current clinical management strategies, including intensive care and therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

• SARS-CoV-2 exhibits distinct features contributing to its high contagiousness.
• COVID-19 presents with diverse clinical manifestations, requiring accurate diagnosis for management.
• The virus can directly impact the cardiovascular system, leading to myocardial injury and other cardiac complications.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of SARS-CoV-2 infection relies on understanding its unique virology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic criteria.
• Cardiovascular involvement is a significant concern in COVID-19, with implications for patient outcomes.
• Further research into SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies, including those targeting the ACE2 pathway, is warranted.