Sympathetic activation: a potential link between comorbidities and COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Neuroscience
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity is linked to age, male gender, and comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes.
• These comorbidities often involve heightened sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity.
• The SNS role in COVID-19 pathophysiology remains under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential role of sympathetic overactivation in the pathophysiology of COVID-19.
• To explore how SNS activity might exacerbate COVID-19 in patients with comorbidities.

Main Methods:

• This study is based on a review and conceptual analysis of existing literature.
• It synthesizes information on COVID-19, comorbidities, and the sympathetic nervous system.

Main Results:

• Increased sympathetic discharge is a common feature of COVID-19 comorbidities.
• COVID-19 itself may trigger SNS overactivation through various mechanisms.
• SNS overactivation can negatively impact the lungs, heart, kidneys, and immune system.

Conclusions:

• Sympathetic overactivation is a potential, overlooked factor in COVID-19.
• It may contribute to a vicious cycle between COVID-19 and pre-existing conditions.
• Further research into the SNS role is crucial for understanding COVID-19 severity.