Potential effects of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system

Abstract

It is known that coronaviruses can cause acute coronary syndrome, arrhythmias, and aggravation of heart failure, mainly due to a combination of a significant systemic inflammatory response and a local vascular inflammation at the level of arterial plaque. In the context of massive SARS-CoV-2infections and the announced pandemic, there is a need to update management of cardiovascular patients in order to reduce COVID-19-related complications. COVID-19 can cause viral pneumonia, as well as extrapulmonary symptoms and complications. A larger proportion of severe COVID-19 patients had a cardiovascular disease or a high cardiovascular risk. The presence of arterial hypertension and other cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases is considered as a factor aggravating the course of the disease and increasing the lethality. Severe cases of COVID-19 were accompanied by acute, often lethal, cardiovascular disorders, with an increase in the level of highly sensitive troponins. There is no reliable evidence that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can increase the risk of infection or severe course of COVID-19, so there is no reason to cancel them. The role of inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system in the treatment of COVID-19 remains controversial. COVID-19 treatment boils down to supportive care and treatment for complications. Based on the results of the studies, a large number of cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 can be expected. Their therapy should be carried out strictly according to modern guidelines. Recommendations include antiplatelet agents, β-blockers, ACE inhibitors and statins.

Keywords

COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2 / cardiovascular system / risk / medications

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RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Mikhaylovskaya T.V., Yakovleva N.D., Safronov M.A., Kharlamova Y.I.