Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Cardiovascular Disease
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic impacting nearly 170
countries/regions and more than 285,000 patients worldwide. COVID-19 is caused by the Severe
Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which invades cells through the
angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Among those with COVID-19, there is a
higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease and more than 7% of patients suffer myocardial
injury from the infection (22% of the critically ill). Despite ACE2 serving as the portal for
infection, the role of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers requires further
investigation. COVID-19 poses a challenge for heart transplantation, impacting donor selection,
immunosuppression, and post-transplant management. Thankfully there are a number of
promising therapies under active investigation to both treat and prevent COVID-19.