COVID-19 and the cardiovascular system: implications for risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment options

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, caused by SARS-CoV-2, represents the greatest medical challenge in decades. We provide a comprehensive review of the clinical course of COVID-19, its comorbidities, and mechanistic considerations for future therapies. While COVID-19 primarily affects the lungs, causing interstitial pneumonitis and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), it also affects multiple organs, particularly the cardiovascular system. Risk of severe infection and mortality increase with advancing age and male sex. Mortality is increased by comorbidities: cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, chronic pulmonary disease, and cancer. The most common complications…

• BH
  British Heart Foundation

  Awards: 18/6/34217, RE/18/634217, RE/18/6/34217, FS/14/49/30838, Guzik-FS/14/49/30838, PG/19/84/34771, BHF RE/18/634217
• MR
  Medical Research Council

  Awards: MC_UU_12014/7, MC_UU_12014, MC_UU_12014/1, MC_PC_19026, MC_UU_12014/7, MC_UU_12014/1
• HE
  H2020 European Research Council

  Award: ERC-CoG-726318