Research progress on the association between viruses and cardiac diseases

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Virus-related cardiac diseases are a significant cause of cardiovascular pathology.
• Viruses like SARS-CoV-2, influenza, HIV, and arboviruses can directly infect heart cells or trigger immune responses.
• These infections lead to conditions such as myocarditis, arrhythmias, and heart failure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diverse spectrum of virus-related cardiac diseases.
• To elucidate the multifactorial mechanisms of cardiac involvement by viruses.
• To outline current and future therapeutic and preventive strategies.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of cardiotropic and cardioactive viruses.
• Analysis of mechanisms including direct viral cytopathic effects, immune-mediated injury, and systemic effects.
• Synthesis of clinical manifestations, therapeutic approaches, and preventive measures.

Main Results:

• Viral infections contribute to myocardial injury through direct infection, immune activation, inflammation, fibrosis, and endothelial dysfunction.
• Clinical presentations vary from subclinical injury to severe heart failure and long-term sequelae like in long COVID.
• Effective management requires early antiviral therapy, tailored immunomodulation, and supportive care for cardiac dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• Integrated strategies encompassing prevention, acute management, and long-term care are essential.
• Optimizing diagnostics, understanding mechanisms, and conducting clinical trials are critical for future advancements.
• Vaccination, protective measures, and cardiovascular risk factor management are key preventive strategies.