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Overview of Covid-19 Regarding the Cardiovascular Situation in the Light of Current Reports
Suna Aydin1, Ramazan Fazil Akkoc2, Suleyman Aydin3
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Elazig Fethi Sekin City Hospital, Health Science University, Elazig Campus, 23100, Elazig, Turkey.
Insights
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) increases mortality, particularly in cardiovascular patients. Certain hypertension drugs may worsen COVID-19 by affecting ACE2 receptors, necessitating careful management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents a global health crisis with increasing mortality.
- Pre-existing cardiovascular conditions are associated with higher COVID-19 death rates.
- The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 receptor in the lungs is implicated in COVID-19 pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular disease patients.
- To analyze the role of ACE1 and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in COVID-19 prognosis.
- To suggest management strategies for hypertension patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Review of current reports on COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases.
- Analysis of the interaction between antihypertensive medications and ACE2 receptors.
- Evaluation of potential risks associated with ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) and ARBs in COVID-19 patients.
Main Results:
- ACE1 and ARBs may increase ACE2 receptor expression, potentially worsening COVID-19 outcomes.
- Experimental data suggests ACEIs and ARBs can increase ACE2 receptors.
- Cardiology consensus generally advises against discontinuing these antihypertensive drugs despite potential risks.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 poses significant risks to cardiovascular patients.
- The use of ACEIs and ARBs in hypertensive patients with COVID-19 requires careful consideration.
- Further research and updated clinical guidelines are needed to manage these patients effectively.
Abstract:
Nowadays Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) is increasing mortality all over the world mercilessly. We are learning almost every day about its new symptoms and that it mutates quickly. This disease has tied us up and made us desperate. The death rate from this disease has increased in patients who had pre-existing medical conditions, especially cardiovascular ones, by eliminating the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 receptor in the lungs. Also, ACE1 and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) may stimulate ACE2 expression and worse the prognosis. Intravenous infusions of ACEIs and ARBs in experimental animals increase the number of ACE2 receptors. Therefore, it may be one of the reasons that COVID-19 infects the cells of patients treating hypertension. However, most of the congress of cardiology do not recommend to discontinue these anti-hypertensive drugs. Therefore, this brief report evaluates Covid-19 in the view of cardiovascular diseases taking into account current reports and suggests some possible solutions to keep the virus under control.
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