Risk factors and potential outcomes of COVID-2019 — a narrative review with focus on cardiovascular health

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) spreads rapidly and has been announced a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). COVID-19 especially affects cardiovascular system, mostly by leading to the dysfunction of endothelium and its consequences . On the other hand, patients with a history of chronic disease are believed to have a more severe course of COVID-19. Furthermore, apart from an undoubted influence on morbidity and mortality, COVID-19 results in changes in many aspects of human life. It is worth noting that pandemic will also affect people who did not suffer from disease. Nevertheless, due to constantly elevated stress level, COVID-19 may have influence on mental health. Paradoxically, in dealing with stress and COVID-related problems, faith and religiosity can play a leading role. In this review, attention was paid not only to possible cardiac complications of infection but also to the impact of the pandemic on psychological and spiritual effects of the pandemic.