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Updated: Oct 23, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
Cardiovascular injuries and SARS-COV-2 infection: focus on elderly people
Claudia Colombo1, Laura Garatti1,2, Giulia Ferrante3
1Department of Cardiology De Gasperis Cardio Center, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy.
Insights
This review examines the significant impact of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system, particularly in elderly patients. It highlights increased risks due to comorbidities and discusses supportive treatments for severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Geriatrics
Background:
- COVID-19 poses a severe global health threat, with elderly individuals and those with comorbidities facing higher risks of mortality.
- Cardiovascular complications, including myocardial injury and thromboembolism, are prevalent in COVID-19 patients.
- Biomarkers like troponin, NTproBNP, and D-Dimer indicate disease severity and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complex interplay between COVID-19 and the cardiovascular system in the elderly population.
- To explore supportive treatments for COVID-19 in older adults.
- To address concerns related to comorbidities and polypharmacotherapy in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on COVID-19, cardiovascular disease, and the elderly.
- Analysis of prognostic biomarkers and their significance.
- Examination of current supportive care strategies and challenges.
Main Results:
- Elderly patients with comorbidities exhibit elevated risks of severe COVID-19 and cardiovascular complications.
- Specific biomarkers are crucial for assessing prognosis in COVID-19 cases.
- Management of COVID-19 in the elderly requires careful consideration of existing conditions and medications.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 significantly impacts the cardiovascular health of the elderly, exacerbating risks associated with pre-existing conditions.
- Effective management necessitates a comprehensive approach addressing both viral infection and cardiovascular sequelae.
- Further research into tailored supportive therapies is essential for improving outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Abstract:
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has hit the healthcare system worldwide. The risk of severe infection and mortality increases with advancing age, especially in subjects with comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and cancer. Moreover, cardiovascular complications such as myocardial injury, heart failure and thromboembolism are frequently observed in COVID-19 cases, and several biomarkers (troponin, NTproBNP and D-Dimer) have been identified as prognostic indicators of disease severity and worst outcome. Currently, there is no specific therapy against SARS-CoV-2, although many medications are under investigation. The aim of this review will be to explore the intertwined relationship between COVID-19 disease and the cardiovascular system, focusing on elderly population. The available supportive treatments along with the related concerns in elderly patients, due to their comorbidities and polypharmacotherapy, will be explored.
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