Cardiovascular disease and covid-19: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular complications associated with COVID-19 are extensive and not fully understood.
• The virus SARS-CoV-2 can lead to a wide range of cardiac issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a systematic review of acute and chronic cardiovascular complications following COVID-19 infection.
• To consolidate current knowledge on the cardiac sequelae of COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was performed using the Medline database via PubMed.
• The review encompassed studies published between 2020 and 2024.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 presents numerous acute cardiovascular effects, including myocardial injury, myocarditis, arrhythmias, heart failure, and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
• These acute cardiac injuries can persist, potentially underlying some symptoms of Long COVID.
• Pathophysiological mechanisms linking SARS-CoV-2 infection to cardiac damage are discussed.

Conclusions:

• Cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 are significant and potentially life-threatening.
• Long COVID may involve persistent cardiovascular dysfunction.
• Targeting SARS-CoV-2-induced microclotting presents a potential therapeutic avenue for Long COVID's cardiovascular manifestations.