COVID-19 and the Incidence of Acute Myocardial Injury

Hamostaseologie. 2021 Oct;41(5):356-364. doi: 10.1055/a-1554-6416. Epub 2021 Oct 25.

Abstract

Cardiovascular manifestations are frequent in COVID-19 infection and are predictive of adverse outcomes. Elevated cardiac biomarkers are common findings in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities and severe COVID-19 infection. Troponin, inflammatory and thrombotic markers may also improve risk prediction in COVID-19. In our comprehensive review, we provide an overview of the incidence, potential mechanisms and outcome of acute cardiac injury in COVID-19. Thereby, we discuss coagulation abnormalities in sepsis and altered immune response as contributing factors favoring myocardial injury. We further highlight the role of endothelial damage in the pathophysiological concepts. Finally, observational studies addressing the incidence of myocardial infarction during COVID-19 pandemic are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / blood
  • COVID-19 / blood
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology*
  • COVID-19 / mortality
  • Comorbidity
  • Heart Injuries / blood
  • Heart Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Heart Injuries / mortality
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Models, Cardiovascular
  • Myocardial Infarction / blood
  • Myocardial Infarction / epidemiology*
  • Myocardial Infarction / mortality
  • Pandemics*
  • SARS-CoV-2* / pathogenicity
  • Troponin / blood

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Troponin