Impact of COVID-19 on Cardiovascular Diseases: Clinical Consequences and Therapeutic Approaches

Abstract

Impact of COVID-19 on Cardiovascular Diseases: Clinical Consequences and Therapeutic Approaches

COVID-19, a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has had a substantial global impact, not only in terms of direct morbidity and mortality, but also in terms of its repercussions on several comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases. First identified in late 2019, SARS-CoV-2 spread rapidly, leading to a pandemic that has affected millions of people worldwide. This is a literature review on the impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular diseases, based on the analysis of articles published in the last 5 years. Thus, mitochondrial dysfunction, identified as a potential mechanism behind post-COVID-19 cardiovascular disorders, opens new perspectives for targeted treatments and reinforces the need for additional research to understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. The management of cardiovascular complications should be adapted according to the clinical characteristics of each patient, considering cardiometabolic risk factors and the variability of responses to treatment. Longitudinal studies and further investigations into SARS-CoV-2 variants are essential to better understand the long-term effects and to formulate more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Keywords: Coronavirus. Cardiovascular diseases. Cardiology.