ABSTRACT
The novel coronavirus pandemic has led to morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Until now, it is a highly virulent contagion attacking the respiratory system in humans, especially people with chronic diseases and the elderly who are most vulnerable. A majority of afflicted are those suffering from cardiovascular and coronary diseases. In this review article, an attempt has been made to discuss and thoroughly review the mode of therapies that alleviate cardiac complications and complications due to hypercoagulation in patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Presently a host of thrombolytic drugs are in use like Prourokinase, Retelapse, RhTNK-tPA and Urokinase. However, thrombolytic therapy, especially if given intravenously, is associated with a serious risk of intracranial haemorrhage, systemic haemorrhage, immunologic complications, hypotension and myocardial rupture. The effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus upon the cardiovascular system and coagulation state of the body are being closely studied. In connection to the same, clinical prognosis and complications of thrombolytic therapy are being scrutinized. It is noteworthy to mention that myocardial oxygen supply/demand mismatch, direct myocardial cells injury and acute plaque rupture are the multiple mechanisms responsible for acute coronary syndrome and cardiac complications in Covid-19 infection. However, this review has limitations as data available in this context is limited, scattered and heterogenous that questions the reliability of the same. So, more multi-centric studies involving representative populations, carried out meticulously, could further assist in responding better to cardiac complications among Covid-19 patients.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cardiovascular Diseases , Cardiovascular System , Aged , Cardiovascular Diseases/drug therapy , Humans , Reproducibility of Results , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is causing considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Multiple reports have suggested that patients with heart failure (HF) are at a higher risk of severe disease and mortality with COVID-19. Moreover, evaluating and treating HF patients with comorbid COVID-19 represents a formidable clinical challenge as symptoms of both conditions may overlap and they may potentiate each other. Limited data exist regarding comprehensive management of HF patients with concomitant COVID-19. Since these issues pose serious new challenges for clinicians worldwide, HF specialists must develop a structured approach to the care of patients with COVID-19 and be included early in the care of these patients. Therefore, the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology and the Chinese Heart Failure Association & National Heart Failure Committee conducted web-based meetings to discuss these unique clinical challenges and reach a consensus opinion to help providers worldwide deliver better patient care. The main objective of this position paper is to outline the management of HF patients with concomitant COVID-19 based on the available data and personal experiences of physicians from Asia, Europe and the United States.