[COVID-19 and its relationship with hypertension and cardiovascular disease]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• A significant association exists between hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases with severe and fatal COVID-19 outcomes globally.
• Myocardial damage and dysfunction are hypothesized as a central mechanism linking these conditions to severe COVID-19.
• Elevated troponin levels and electrocardiographic abnormalities frequently observed in COVID-19 patients support the concept of cardiac involvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of the link between cardiovascular diseases and severe COVID-19.
• To discuss the potential role of myocardial damage in COVID-19 pathogenesis.
• To examine the debated effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers in the context of COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing data on COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease.
• Analysis of clinical findings such as troponin levels and ECG anomalies.
• Discussion of pharmacological hypotheses regarding cardiovascular medications.

Main Results:

• Consistent evidence links hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease to increased COVID-19 severity and mortality.
• Cardiac injury markers (troponin, ECG changes) are common in severe COVID-19 cases.
• There is ongoing debate and lack of conclusive evidence regarding the impact of ACE inhibitors and ARBs on COVID-19 outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Cardiovascular disease patients are at high risk for severe COVID-19 and require special precautions to avoid infection.
• Further well-designed studies are urgently needed to clarify the role of cardiovascular disease and its treatments in COVID-19.
• Patients with cardiovascular conditions should avoid self-medication and seek prompt medical attention if infected.