The cardiovascular disorders and prognostic cardiac biomarkers in COVID-19

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) leads to the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a worldwide epidemic disease affecting increasing number of patients. Although the virus primarily targets respiratory system, cardiovascular involvement has been reported in accumulating studies. In this review, we first describe the cardiac disorders in human with various types of CoV infection, and in animals infected with coronavirus. Particularly, we will focus on the association of cardiovascular disorders upon SARS-CoV-2 infection, and prognostic cardiac biomarkers in COVID-19. Besides, we will discuss the possible mechanisms underlying cardiac injury resulted from SARS-CoV-2 infection including direct myocardial injury caused by viral infection, reduced level of ACE2, and inflammatory response during infection. Improved understandings of cardiac disorders associated with COVID-19 might predict clinical outcome and provide insights into more rational treatment responses in clinical practice.

Automated summary

This review focuses on the association between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disorders, including potential mechanisms such as direct myocardial injury caused by viral infection and reduced ACE2 levels. Understanding the implications of cardiovascular diseases in COVID-19 may predict clinical outcomes and guide more rational treatment strategies in clinical practice.