Coronavirus Disease 2019: Cardiovascular Complications

Course overview

A diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular disease can lead to worsening cardiovascular damage or disease in the patient and it may complicate the treatment of the disease. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus, which causes COVID-19, may also lead to cardiovascular damage or disease in an otherwise healthy person. Shortly after the coronavirus reached the level of a pandemic, health professionals began treating patients with pre-existing cardiovascular complications who became infected with the virus. The following sections will cover the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of specific cardiovascular complications and their association with COVID-19. This is a new area of practice with evolving medical guidelines and recommendations.