CARDIOVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS OF COVID-19: A REVIEW

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19, has infected over 670 million people globally and caused approximately 7 million deaths. Emerging research highlights a significant link between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Conditions like diabetes mellitus and hypertension—already known CVD risk factors—appear to be further exacerbated by COVID-19, which may act as an independent risk modifier. Studies suggest that previous COVID-19 infection increases the risk of developing various CVDs to a degree comparable with traditional risk factors. Complications such as myocarditis, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, thromboembolism, and arrhythmias have been observed, especially in individuals with preexisting heart conditions. COVID-19 may influence cardiovascular health both directly—through viral invasion of heart tissues—and indirectly—via systemic inflammation. This review summarizes current findings on the interplay between COVID-19 and CVD, explores underlying mechanisms, and discusses evolving treatment and prevention strategies in the context of the pandemic.