How the Heart Was Involved in COVID-19 during the First Pandemic Phase: A Review

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pathophysiology

Background:

• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) emerged in late 2019, rapidly escalating to a global pandemic.
• While primarily a respiratory illness, COVID-19 presents significant cardiological involvement, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions like hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
• The precise pathophysiological mechanisms underlying COVID-19's cardiac impact remain under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the mechanisms of cardiovascular involvement during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To review current knowledge on the cardiac manifestations of COVID-19.
• To emphasize major cardiological complications observed in infected patients.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on cardiovascular aspects of COVID-19.
• Analysis of the role of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in COVID-19 pathogenesis and cardiovascular effects.
• Synthesis of data on clinical manifestations and complications in patients with comorbidities.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 infection is associated with significant cardiac complications, particularly in individuals with hypertension and diabetes.
• The angiotensin-converting enzyme plays a crucial role in both cardiovascular regulation and COVID-19 pathogenesis.
• Understanding these mechanisms is vital for managing severe COVID-19 cases.

Conclusions:

• Cardiovascular involvement is a critical aspect of COVID-19, leading to potentially fatal outcomes.
• The angiotensin-converting enzyme pathway is a key factor in COVID-19's cardiac impact.
• Further research into these mechanisms is essential for improved patient outcomes and therapeutic strategies.