Abstract

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has affected people’s health in more than one way with catastrophic impacts on primary healthcare systems across the globe. However, the rapid expansion of knowledge over the last few months, supported by rigorous scientific research, has enabled our understanding of the mechanism(s) of COVID-19 and potential therapeutics. Initial infection of the upper respiratory tract by SARSCoV-2 is mediated by binding of the virus to host expressed angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE2). While viral pneumonia is one of the predominant manifestations of COVID-19, current evidence shows that the virus also affects multiple organs, especially the cardiovascular system. Comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease, not only result in worsening outcomes but also account for high death counts among infected patients. Serious cardiovascular complications such as cardiac injury, heart failure, and arrhythmias are often seen in the severe hospitalized cases of COVID-19; such cases predominantly feature hyper inflammation, cytokine storm along with elevated cardiac injury biomarkers. Whether viral invasion through ACE2-expressed in heart cells-is responsible for the development of new cardiovascular dysfunction in COVID-19 patients without any history of heart disease, remains under investigation. Other concerns have also surfaced regarding the use of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors like angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and ACE inhibitors (ACEIs),
potentially increasing the severity of COVID-19. Here, we review current research and epidemiological data on SAR-CoV-2 infection and its clinical manifestations with a focus on cardiovascular complications and mechanisms of injury. Current guidelines over the use of RAS inhibitors in the context of the speculated role of ACE2 in COVID-19 patients are also discussed.
*E-Mail: sangeeta1986@gmail.com
To cite this article: Chakraborty S; Impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular patients, patients, Biotechnology Kiosk, Vol 2, Issue 5, PP: 24-33 (2020); DOI: https://doi.org/10.37756/bk.20.2.5.4