The findings provide a completely new understanding of the link between the kind of inflammation that can lead to serious lung damage and cardiovascular complications, said Michelle Olive, Ph.D., associate director of the Basic and Early Translational Research Program. From the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
The researchers focused on immune cells known as cardiac macrophages, which normally play an important role in keeping tissues healthy, but can cause inflammation in response to injuries such as: heart attack or heart failure. The researchers analyzed heart tissue samples from 21 patients who died from SARS-CoV-2-related ARDS and compared them with samples from 33 patients who died from non-COVID-19 causes. They also infected mice with SARS-CoV-2 to track what happened to the macrophages after infection.
“What this study shows is that after a COVID-19 infection, the immune system can trigger severe inflammation throughout the body, causing remote damage to other organs – in addition to the damage directly inflicted on lung tissue by the virus itself. ” Matthias Nahrendorf, MD, Ph.D., professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School and senior author of the study. “These findings may apply more generally, because our results suggest that severe infections can send shock waves throughout the body.”
Impact of COVID-19 on the heart
COVID-19 can affect the heart in a variety of ways, including myocardial damage, inflammation, and arrhythmias. The virus can directly infect heart cells, causing myocarditis or heart muscle damage. Additionally, systemic inflammation and cytokine release triggered by infection can worsen existing heart disease or lead to new cardiovascular complications. Studies have shown that individuals infected with COVID-19 are at higher risk of heart-related complications, including heart failure and myocardial infarction. Long-term effects on heart health, including decreased heart function and increased risk of cardiovascular events, are also a concern for COVID-19 survivors. Regular monitoring and follow-up care are important in managing cardiac effects.
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