Diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular manifestations of COVID-19: a narrative review

Acta Cardiol. 2024 May;79(3):267-273. doi: 10.1080/00015385.2023.2246200. Epub 2023 Aug 22.

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) was the main pathogen in the COVID-19 pandemic. This viral infection has been associated with several respiratory and non-respiratory complications contributing to a higher mortality rate, especially in patients with underlying heart diseases worldwide. Once considered a respiratory tract disease, it is now well-known that COVID-19 patients may experience a wide range of cardiac manifestations. Because of its remarkable direct and indirect effects on the cardiovascular system, herein, we examined the published literature that studied the hypothetical mechanisms of injury, manifestations, and diagnostic modalities, including changes in molecular biomarkers with a predictive value in the prognostication of the disease, as well as emerging evidence regarding the long-term cardiac complications of the disease.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; biomarkers; cardiovascular outcomes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / blood
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • COVID-19* / diagnosis
  • COVID-19* / therapy
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Prognosis
  • SARS-CoV-2