May 13, 2020

COVID‐19 and the Cerebro‐Cardiovascular Systems: What Do We Know so Far?

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Clinical Characteristics and Health Care Setting

• SARS‐CoV‐2 has high‐affinity for the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, which is highly concentrated in the lungs and cardiovascular tissue, showing a potential mechanism for cardiovascular involvement in COVID‐19 cases.  
• This literature review of COVID‐19 and cardiovascular system involvement found evidence of pre‐existing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease is a risk‐factor for severe infection. COVID‐19 patients may be more likely to experience acute cardiac injury, arrhythmia, coagulation defects, and acute stroke and are likely to have poorer outcomes as a result. 

Larson et al. (May 12, 2020). COVID‐19 and the Cerebro‐Cardiovascular Systems: What Do We Know so Far? Journal of the American Heart Association. https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.120.016793