Distinct Features of Vascular Diseases in COVID-19

Abstract

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was declared in early 2020 after several unexplained pneumonia cases were first reported in Wuhan, China, and subsequently in other parts of the world. Commonly, the disease comprises several clinical features, including high temperature, dry cough, shortness of breath, and hypoxia, associated with findings of interstitial pneumonia on chest X-ray and computer tomography. Nevertheless, severe forms of acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are not limited to the respiratory tract but also may be extended to other systems, including the cardiovascular system. The bi-directional relationship between atherosclerosis and COVID-19 is accompanied by poor prognosis. The immune response hyperactivation due to SARS-CoV-2 infection causes an increased secretion of cytokines, endothelial dysfunction, and arterial stiffness, which promotes the development of atherosclerosis. Also, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, access to healthcare amenities was reduced, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality in patients at risk. Furthermore, as lockdown measures were largely adopted worldwide, the sedentary lifestyle and the increased consumption of processed nutrients or unhealthy food increased, and in the consequence, we might observe even 70% of overweight and obese population. Altogether, with the relatively low ratio of vaccinated people in many countries, and important health debt appeared, which is now and will be for next decade a large healthcare challenge. However, the experience gained in the COVID-19 pandemic and the new methods of patients’ approaching have helped the medical system to overcome this crisis and will hopefully help in the case of new possible epidemics.

Multivariable Risk Modelling and Survival Analysis with Machine Learning in SARS-CoV-2 Infection

“…On the test dataset, the significantly higher (Odds ratio = 13 [95% CI; 4-42], p < 0.0001) among the high-risk group than in the low-risk group. 2 Pearson's chi-squared test, 3 sensitivity, confidence interval, 4 specificity, confidence interval, 5 positive predictive value, confidence interval, 6 negative predictive value, confidence interval, 7 odds ratio, and confidence interval.…”

“…The clinical disease phenotype for SARS-CoV-2 is extremely heterogeneous. The infection can proceed asymptomatically or evolve with differing intensities up to the severe disease that is associated with a low survival rate [5,6].…”

Current development of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 neutralizing antibodies (Review)

“…Although infection typically starts with flu-like symptoms ( 1 ), patients can also be asymptomatic and may go on to have a mild to severe disease course ( 2 ). Mechanistically, COVID-19 is characterized by an important burden of inflammation mainly in the respiratory system, although it can also affect other organ systems ( 3 , 4 ). Previous studies have assessed the association between hemogram indices and COVID-19 pathogenesis, improving the prognostic judgement and patient management of this disease ( 5 , 6 ).…”

Association between Lipid Levels, Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike Antibodies and COVID-19 Mortality: A Prospective Cohort Study

“…In clinical studies, COVID-19 is associated with increased rates of dyslipidaemia, which may persist up to one year after infection [15,16]. Pre-existing dyslipidaemia and atherosclerosis have been linked to increased severity and mortality of COVID-19 [17,18]. In addition, several studies describe an association between plasma lipid levels and outcome in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that plasma lipids may be involved in the immune response to COVID-19 [19][20][21][22].…”