Long COVID: post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 with a cardiovascular focus

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Long COVID, or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, affects millions globally with persistent symptoms.
• Cardiopulmonary and autonomic dysfunction are common, leading to significant disability and anxiety.
• Cardiovascular abnormalities like myocardial inflammation and arrhythmias are increasingly reported post-COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the definition, epidemiology, and cardiopulmonary symptoms of long COVID.
• To explore pathophysiological mechanisms of acute and chronic cardiovascular injury post-COVID-19.
• To discuss the impact of COVID-19 on multiorgan health and propose a referral model for cardiac services.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on long COVID, cardiopulmonary symptoms, and cardiovascular sequelae.
• Analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying acute and chronic cardiovascular injury.
• Examination of COVID-19's impact on multiorgan health and proposed clinical pathways.

Main Results:

• Long COVID presents with diverse cardiopulmonary symptoms and autonomic manifestations.
• Significant cardiovascular abnormalities, including myocardial inflammation and dysfunction, persist post-acute infection.
• Mechanisms linking ongoing symptoms to objective health measures require further elucidation.

Conclusions:

• Long COVID poses a substantial long-term health burden, particularly affecting cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary systems.
• Further research into pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical trials are essential for effective treatment strategies.
• A structured approach to cardiac referral is proposed for managing post-COVID-19 cardiovascular sequelae.