RNA-seq Reveals the Increased Risk of Heart and Cardiovascular Disease by SARS-CoV-2 Infection

As of late 2020, much is still unknown about the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus, including what health risks could be present for current patients. We know that while being infected with the disease, patients are struck with many respiratory issues. However, little is known about the long-term effects COVID-19 survivors could be affected by. Using differential expression analysis, we identified several differentially expressed genes in COVID-19 positive patients that indicate an increase in the risk for heart disease in these patients - APOL3, KLF15, and CD163. These genes indicate an increase of risk for cardiovascular disease through increased apolipoprotein levels, decreased negative regulators for risk factors, and increased inflammation and infection.