COVID-19 and its cardiovascular complications

Abstract

COVID-19 (Coronavirus-19), a life threatening infectious disease caused by the novel single-stranded RNA enveloped Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first case of COVID-19 was reported in Hubei province of China on December 8, 2019. The reported cardiac injury could be a result of direct viral invasion of cardiomyocytes with consequent unopposed effects of angiotensin II, increased metabolic demand, immune activation, or microvascular dysfunction. Thromboembolic events have been widely reported in both the venous and arterial systems and therefore have attracted intense interest in the underlying mechanisms. Therefore, a particular attention should be paid towards cardiovascular protection in COVID-19 patients who develop acute cardiovascular syndromes during hospitalization, and/or permanent/semipermanent sequelae after recovery from COVID-19. These conditions definitely require careful clinical assessment, treatment and close follow-up to avoid short-term and long-term complications. Hence; the present review aimed of highlighting comprehensive data in relation of cardiovascular complications of COVID-19.