Long COVID and the cardiovascular system-elucidating causes and cellular mechanisms in order to develop targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies: a joint Scientific Statement of the ESC Working Groups on Cellular Biology of the Heart and Myocardial and Pericardial Diseases

Mariann Gyöngyösi, Pilar Alcaide, Folkert W. Asselbergs, Bianca J. J. M. Brundel, Giovanni G. Camici, Paula da Costa Martins, P. ter Ferdinandy, Marianna Fontana, Henrique Girao, Massimiliano Gnecchi, Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü, Petra Kleinbongard, Thomas Krieg, Rosalinda Madonna, Melanie Paillard, Antonis Pantazis, Cinzia Perrino, Maurizio Pesce, Gabriele G. Schiattarella, Joost P. G. SluijterSabine Steffens, Carsten Tschöpe, Sophie van Linthout, Sean M. Davidson

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

52 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Long COVID has become a world-wide, non-communicable epidemic, caused by long-lasting multiorgan symptoms that endure for weeks or months after SARS-CoV-2 infection has already subsided. This scientific document aims to provide insight into the possible causes and therapeutic options available for the cardiovascular manifestations of long COVID. In addition to chronic fatigue, which is a common symptom of long COVID, patients may present with chest pain, ECG abnormalities, postural orthostatic tachycardia, or newly developed supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias. Imaging of the heart and vessels has provided evidence of chronic, post-infectious perimyocarditis with consequent left or right ventricular failure, arterial wall inflammation, or microthrombosis in certain patient populations. Better understanding of the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of long COVID will aid in the development of effective treatment strategies for its cardiovascular manifestations. A number of mechanisms have been proposed, including those involving direct effects on the myocardium, microthrombotic damage to vessels or endothelium, or persistent inflammation. Unfortunately, existing circulating biomarkers, coagulation, and inflammatory markers, are not highly predictive for either the presence or outcome of long COVID when measured 3 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further studies are needed to understand underlying mechanisms, identify specific biomarkers, and guide future preventive strategies or treatments to address long COVID and its cardiovascular sequelae.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)336-356
Number of pages21
JournalCardiovascular research
Volume119
Issue number2
Early online date25 Jul 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2023

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • Cardiac
  • Cardiovascular
  • Long COVID
  • Post COVID

Cite this