Cardiovascular Involvement in COVID-19: What Sequelae Should We Expect?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) presents with diverse cardiovascular manifestations, including myocardial injury, arrhythmias, and thromboembolic events.
• The long-term cardiovascular sequelae and outcomes for COVID-19 survivors remain largely unknown.
• Myocardial injury in COVID-19 may stem from direct viral effects or systemic inflammation, potentially leading to fibrosis and dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the spectrum of cardiovascular involvement in COVID-19.
• To discuss the potential long-term cardiovascular consequences and the need for ongoing surveillance.
• To highlight the role of advanced imaging and risk stratification in managing post-COVID-19 cardiovascular complications.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on cardiovascular complications of COVID-19.
• Discussion of preliminary observational findings and expert recommendations.
• Emphasis on diagnostic modalities like cardiac magnetic resonance and risk assessment for anticoagulation.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 is associated with myocardial injury, acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, arrhythmias, and thromboembolic events.
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is valuable for characterizing myocardial damage and inflammation.
• Individualized risk assessment is crucial for determining anticoagulation duration in patients with venous thromboembolism.

Conclusions:

• Post-COVID-19 cardiovascular sequelae require further investigation, with a focus on myocardial injury and dysfunction.
• Close clinical surveillance and case-by-case screening for residual cardiac issues are essential after hospital discharge.
• Understanding the long-term impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular health is critical for patient management and public health strategies.