Crosstalk between coronavirus disease 2019 and cardiovascular disease and its treatment

Abstract

People with cardiovascular disease (CVD) often contract coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, the interaction between COVID‐19 and CVD is unclear. In this systematic review, the available evidence for the crosstalk between COVID‐19 and CVD and its treatment was analysed. A search was performed in the electronic databases MEDLINE and EMBASE. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infects human cells via angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2. SARS‐CoV‐2 can cause CVD by inducing cytokine storms, creating an imbalance in the oxygen supply and demand and disrupting the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system; SARS‐CoV‐2 infection can also lead to the development of CVD through the side effects of therapeutic drugs, psychological factors, and aggravation of underlying CVD. The most common CVDs caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection are acute myocardial injury, arrhythmia, and heart failure. Studies have found that there is an interaction between COVID‐19 and CVD. Underlying CVD is associated with a high risk of mortality in patients with COVID‐19. SARS‐CoV‐2 infection can also cause new‐onset CVD. Clinicians need to pay close attention to cardiovascular complications during the diagnosis and treatment of patients with COVID‐19 to reduce patient mortality.