A Mini-Review on Cardiovascular and Hematological Complications of COVID-19

Abstract

Background::Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is named as the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection experience a wide range of symptoms and they are at the risk of various systemic complications. Besides the pulmonary complications, COVID-19 cases may develop cardiovascular and hematological complications. This study aimed to review the most important hematological and cardiovascular complications caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection.Methods:The English databases, including Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were searched. The published papers were selected and reviewed based on the subject of this study.Results::The review of the literature showed that several cardiovascular complications related to COVID-19, including acute myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, acute heart failure, and venous thromboembolic events due to coagulation abnormalities, have been reported. COVID-19 associated hematological complications include elevated levels of hematological factors including C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, procalcitonin, and ferritin. Furthermore, the levels of blood cells, including lymphocytes and thrombocytes, can be reduced.Conclusion::This study reviewed COVID-19-associated cardiovascular and hematopoietic complications. In conclusion, the patients may experience a wide range of cardiovascular and hematological issues during the illness. These complications are often associated with the need for ICU support and care which imposes further costs to the healthcare system. So the healthcare team must consider the possible complications when treating COVID-19 patients to reduce the treatment costs and mortality of patients.