COVID-19 and lipids. The role of lipid disorders and statin use in the prognosis of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection

Lipids Health Dis. 2021 Oct 25;20(1):141. doi: 10.1186/s12944-021-01563-0.

Abstract

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus started in March 2020. The conclusions from numerous studies indicate that people with comorbidities, such as arterial hypertension, diabetes, obesity, underlying cardiovascular disease, are particularly vulnerable to the severe course of COVID-19. The available data also suggest that patients with dyslipidemia, the most common risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, are also at greater risk of severe course of COVID-19. On the other hand, it has been shown that COVID-19 infection has an influence on lipid profile leading to dyslipidemia, which might require appropriate treatment. Owing to antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and cardioprotective activity, statin therapy has been considered as valuable tool to improve COVID-19 outcomes. Numerous observational studies have shown potential beneficial effects of lipid-lowering treatment on the course of COVID-19 with significant improved prognosis and reduced mortality.

Keywords: COVID-19; Dyslipidemia; SARS-CoV-2; Statins.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / epidemiology
  • COVID-19 / etiology*
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • Comorbidity
  • Dyslipidemias / drug therapy*
  • Dyslipidemias / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / drug therapy*
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / epidemiology
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / metabolism
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors