Coronavirus disease 2019 and the cardiologist

Abstract

Purpose of review: There continues to be extensive clinical and epidemiological data to suggest that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is associated with numerous different types of cardiac involvement.

Recent findings: Myocardial injury has been reported in over 25% of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection and is not only associated with a worse prognosis but with higher mortality, approaching 40%. Currently proposed mechanisms of myocardial injury include direct viral infection, cytokine storm, endothelial inflammation, demand ischemia, interferon-mediated response and stress cardiomyopathy. COVID-19 infection is associated with new-onset arrhythmias and heart failure regardless of history of previous cardiovascular disease. Echocardiographic findings can be useful to predict mortality in COVID-19 patients and cardiac MRI is an effective tool to both assess COVID-19 induced myocarditis and to follow-up on cardiac complications of COVID-19 long-term. Although there is an association between COVID-19 vaccination and myocarditis, pericarditis or arrhythmias, the risk appears lower when compared to risk attributable to the natural infection.

Summary: Patients with cardiovascular disease are not only more likely to suffer from severe COVID-19 infection but are at increased risk for further complications and higher mortality. Further data compilation on current and emerging treatments of COVID-19 will have additional impact on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 infection.