Coronavirus and cardiovascular manifestations- getting to the heart of the matter

Core Tip

Core Tip: Coronavirus affects various parts of cardiovascular (CV) system. Acute coronary syndromes, myocarditis, tachyarrhythmia, heart failure and shock can be the various manifestations. The mechanism of cardiac involvement can be direct or indirect via cytokine storm ,inflammation and thromboembolism. Thromboembolism is particularly more common in coronavirus disease (COVID) infection and so is bleeding making anticoagulation a daunting task. Management of cardiac manifestations is not very different from a non COVID patient and needs diligent effort due to the need for preventing transmission to health care workers. Undoubtedly, cardiac involvement portends poor prognosis and antecedent cardiovascular disease is abundant among non-survivors. Adequate control of CV risk factors, prompt recognition of symptoms, timely management and early vaccination hold the key to victory against the coronavirus onslaught on the heart. Reports of thromboembolism have also emerged after COVID-19 vaccination but the incidence is rare.