SARS-CoV-2 and the cardiovascular system

Abstract

The coronavirus disease COVID-19 is a public health emergency caused by a novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 infection uses the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, and typically spreads through the respiratory tract. Invading viruses can elicit an exaggerated host immune response, frequently leading to a cytokine storm that may be fueling some COVID-19 death. This response contributes to multi-organ dysfunction. Accumulating data points to an increased cardiovascular disease morbidity, and mortality in COVID-19 patients. This brief review explores potential available evidence regarding the association between COVID-19, and cardiovascular complications.