Long coronavirus disease (COVID) is the development or persistence of symptoms after an acute SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection. Fewer patients are developing acute COVID-19 infections, but patients with long COVID continue to have alarming long-term sequelae. Many cardiac magnetic resonance imaging studies show significant changes in cardiac structure after a COVID-19 infection, suggestive of an increased burden of many cardiovascular diseases, notably myocarditis. The pathophysiology of COVID-19 requires viral binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 protein receptors throughout the body, which are upregulated by inflammation. Consequently, the numerous preexisting conditions that worsen or prolong inflammation enhance this binding and have differing effects on patients based on their unique immune systems. These pathophysiological changes drive long COVID cardiac sequelae such as inappropriate sinus tachycardia, postural orthostatic tachycardia, and other types of orthostatic intolerance. Increased screening for long COVID and low-risk interventions such as exercise regimens could alleviate the suffering endured by patients with long COVID. Many studies such as the Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery Initiative (RECOVER) trials at the National Institutes of Health are exploring potential treatments for long COVID patients.
Keyphrases
- sars cov
- coronavirus disease
- respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- magnetic resonance imaging
- end stage renal disease
- chronic kidney disease
- cardiovascular disease
- oxidative stress
- newly diagnosed
- public health
- risk assessment
- angiotensin converting enzyme
- type diabetes
- metabolic syndrome
- angiotensin ii
- depressive symptoms
- quality improvement
- mental health
- intensive care unit
- high intensity
- small molecule
- human health
- climate change
- sleep quality
- resistance training
- contrast enhanced
- patient reported outcomes
- magnetic resonance