Cardiovascular Considerations in Coronavirus Disease 2019 with a Special Focus on Arrhythmia

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Electrophysiology

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, a pandemic with significant cardiovascular implications.
• Elevated troponin levels are associated with worse outcomes in COVID-19 patients.
• Cardiac manifestations include arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and potential myocarditis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the cardiovascular concerns of COVID-19 for cardiologists and electrophysiologists.
• To discuss specific issues such as arrhythmias, myocarditis, and hypercoagulability.
• To examine the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and potential therapies like hydroxychloroquine.

Main Methods:

• This is a review article, synthesizing existing literature and data.
• It addresses reported findings on cardiac manifestations in COVID-19 patients.
• The review focuses on clinical observations and concerns relevant to cardiovascular specialists.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 patients exhibit various cardiovascular issues, including arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities.
• Malignant ventricular arrhythmias have been reported in hospitalized patients.
• Biopsy-proven cases of COVID-19-related myocarditis appear to be rare.

Conclusions:

• Cardiologists and electrophysiologists must be aware of the diverse cardiovascular impacts of SARS-CoV-2.
• Management strategies should consider cardiac risks, hypercoagulability, and drug effects.
• Further research is needed to fully understand and manage the cardiac sequelae of COVID-19.