Atrial fibrillation in COVID-19: A review of possible mechanisms.
FASEB J
; 34(9): 11347-11354, 2020 09.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-691159
ABSTRACT
A relationship between COVID-19 infection and an increasing incidence of atrial fibrillation has been observed. However, the underlying pathophysiology as a precipitant to AF has not been reviewed. This paper will consider the possible pathological and immunological AF mechanisms as a result, of COVID-19 infection. We discuss the role myocardial microvascular pericytes expressing the ACE-2 receptor and their potential for an organ-specific cardiac involvement with COVID-19. Dysfunctional microvascular support by pericytes or endothelial cells may increase the propensity for AF via increased myocardial inflammation, fibrosis, increased tissue edema, and interstitial hydrostatic pressure. All of these factors can lead to electrical perturbances at the tissue and cellular level. We also consider the contribution of Angiotensin, pulmonary hypertension, and regulatory T cells as additional contributors to AF during COVID-19 infection. Finally, reference is given to two common drugs, corticosteroids and metformin, in COVID-19 and how they might influence AF incidence.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Pneumonia, Viral
/
Atrial Fibrillation
/
Coronavirus Infections
Type of study:
Observational study
Topics:
Long Covid
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
FASEB J
Journal subject:
Biology
/
Physiology
Year:
2020
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Fj.202001613
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