Are we geared for the upcoming challenges by nCoV-19 or is it still grim news….?

Abstract

The novel Corona Virus (nCoV-2019), clouded the entire world during the year 2020; with itsemergence in December 2019 from Wuhan, China. The nCoV-19 is a novel variant of the Coronavirus family,with its predecessors been implicated for the pandemics of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERSCoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV); that caused flu-like condition and respiratorydistress symptoms. The viral strain also intrudes on extra-pulmonary relevance; being involved withderanging immunity as evidenced by lymphopenia and a prolonged prothrombin time; it impactscardiomyocytes and pancreatic tissue directly. These implications of nCoV-19 does suggest a long-termrelevance of the disease profile.The emergence of nCoV-2019 was quick to gain a pandemic status worldwide. An immense shift inthe influx of the type of patients was observed, that imparted a false impression of a reduction incardiovascular and metabolic patient presentation; formerly that had been the majority engaging theworlds’ healthcare facility. But as the world prepares itself for a possible second wave of the n-CoV-19, aprudent approach would be to remind us of the history lessons from the previous corona-led pandemic,such as MERS and SARS. This editorial will emphasize on channeling our focus to nCoV-19 implications oncardiovascular and metabolic disorders.The pandemics of SARS-CoV during 2002-2003 and MERS-CoV in 2012 highlight the long termrelevance of coronavirus to cardiac and metabolic disease pathologies, both during and in the aftermathof these pandemics. The SARS-CoV had demonstrated an increase of cardiovascular problems by 44%,hyperlipidemia by 68% and diabetes mellitus by 60%, in people who had recovered from the viral attack.Likewise, MERS-CoV had also embarked an increase of cardiac disorders by 30% and hypertension by 50%and diabetes mellitus by 50%.Published research on nCoV-19 has hinted for a similar rising trend of cardiovascular and metaboliccomplexities. An increase in cardiac troponin level is observed with increased cases of myocarditis andheart failure. A 20% increase in the incidence of diabetes and a 40 % rise in cardiovascular andcerebrovascular diseases is observed with nCoV-19. Little do we comprehend that the involvement ofangiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors could play havoc on endothelium, kidney, intestine,liver and any other organ.The nCoV-19 has thrown a curveball to the realm of the worldwide health and financial setting. Evenwith the current economic predicament it does seems prudent to be prepared in advance for the long termconsequences of this pandemic. The bigger question would be to, not just direct our efforts at counteringthe possible second wave of nCoV-19 but also for the possible chaos of cardiovascular and metabolicdisease outfall, impacting the world health system.Muhammad Zuhair Yusuf1 and Naseer Ahmed1Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan