Intricate interplay between Covid-19 and cardiovascular diseases

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• COVID-19 affects multiple organ systems, with increasing recognition of cardiovascular manifestations.
• These include acute coronary syndrome, myocarditis, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and thromboembolic disease.
• Elderly patients and those with pre-existing cardiac conditions face higher mortality risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the cardiovascular manifestations of COVID-19.
• To discuss the challenges in managing cardiac patients during the pandemic.
• To explore potential solutions for improved patient care and risk mitigation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of reported cardiovascular complications in COVID-19 patients.
• Analysis of management challenges, including drug interactions and QTc prolongation.
• Discussion of strategies for triaging and bedside interventions.

Main Results:

• A wide spectrum of cardiovascular issues associated with COVID-19 has been identified.
• Management is complex due to symptom overlap, drug effects on electrocardiograms, and nosocomial spread risks.
• Non-COVID-19 cardiac patients experienced treatment delays and increased exposure risks.

Conclusions:

• Effective management requires recognizing urgent cases and implementing bedside interventions safely.
• Telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and rapid diagnostics can aid in triaging and managing cardiac patients during pandemics.
• Addressing these challenges is crucial for minimizing mortality and morbidity in both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 cardiac patients.