Abstract

Cardiovascular Disease and Coronavirus Infection

Author(s): Christina Williamâ? , Jane Brown

The pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus Diseases-2019 (COVID-19) infection is causing considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Multiple reports have suggested that patients with Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) and Heart Failure (HF) are at a higher risk of severe disease and higher mortality with COVID-19. Generally, myocardial damage, heart diseases and cardiac arrhythmia is associated with patients with COVID-19. Also, they may have a severe COVID-19 infection if patients have high prevalence of cardiovascular disease. Infection of myocardium due to infection is observed in a considerable percentage of patients with COVID-19. In this case, it should be emphasized that the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) acts as the main gateway for this infection, although the role of this converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers requires further investigation. According to the results of previous studies, the major cardiac abnormalities and complications in the SARS epidemic were hypotension, myocarditis, arrhythmia, and sudden cardiac death. Dealing with COVID-19 infection, except for similar disorders, poses a challenge to heart transplantation that affects donor selection, immunosuppression, and post-transplant management. There are a number of joint tests to recognize and therapies under active investigation to treat and prevent of COVID-19 infection. The main objective of this paper is reviewing the common symptoms and joint tests between CVD/HF and COVID-19 infection.