Cardiac Manifestations of Post-Acute COVID-19 Infection

Khan O Mohammad1, Andrew Lin2, Jose B Cruz Rodriguez2

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School at The University of Texas, 1500 Red River St., Austin, TX, 78701, USA. ko.mohammad@utexas.edu.

Insights

Long COVID can cause significant heart problems, including injury, arrhythmias, and heart failure, even in healthy individuals. Early detection and management are crucial for cardiovascular health after COVID-19 infection.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Emerging evidence links COVID-19 to long-term cardiovascular complications.
  • Post-acute and chronic phases of COVID-19 present significant cardiovascular sequelae.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the cardiovascular sequelae associated with Long COVID.
  • To explore the mechanisms and clinical manifestations of cardiac involvement in Long COVID.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature on COVID-19 and cardiovascular health.
  • Analysis of findings related to myocardial injury, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathies.
  • Evaluation of the role of Cardiac MRI in diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • Long COVID is associated with direct myocardial injury, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathies.
  • Mechanisms may involve viral infiltration and autoimmune dysregulation.
  • New-onset heart failure and persistent cardiac ischemia can occur in previously healthy individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiovascular complications are a significant concern in Long COVID.
  • Both patients with and without pre-existing cardiovascular disease are at risk.
  • Further research is needed on cardiovascular mortality and rehabilitation.
Abstract

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