Sex differences underlying preexisting cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular injury in COVID-19

Burden of cardiovascular disease on coronavirus disease 2019 hospitalizations in the USA

BACKGROUND

Patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk factors have increased rates of adverse events and mortality after hospitalization for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we attempted to identify and assess the effects of CVD on COVID-19 hospitalizations in the USA using a large national database.

METHODS

The current study was a retrospective analysis of data from the US National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample from 2020. All adult patients 18 years of age and older who were admitted with the primary diagnosis of COVID-19 were included. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, while secondary outcomes included prolonged hospital length of stay, mechanical ventilation, and disposition other than home. Prolonged hospital length of stay was defined as a length of stay greater than the 75th percentile for the full sample. The diagnoses were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes.

RESULTS

A total of 1 050 040 patients were included in the study, of which 454 650 (43.3%) had prior CVD. Patients with CVD had higher mortality during COVID-19 hospitalization (19.3 vs. 5.0%, P < 0.001). Similarly, these patients had a higher rate of prolonged hospital length of stay (34.5 vs. 21.0%, P < 0.001), required mechanical ventilation (15.4 vs. 5.6%, P < 0.001), and were more likely to be discharged to a disposition other than home (62.5 vs. 32.3%, P < 0.001). Mean hospitalization cost was also higher in patients with CVD during hospitalization ($24 023 vs. $15 320, P < 0.001). Conditional logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of in-hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR), 3.23; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.91-3.45] were significantly higher for COVID-19 hospitalizations with CVD, compared with those without CVD. Similarly, prolonged hospital length (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.43-2.23), mechanical ventilation (OR, 3.31; 95% CI, 3.06-3.67), and disposition other than home (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.87-2.21) were also significantly higher for COVID-19 hospitalizations with coronary artery disease.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that the presence of CVD has a significant negative impact on the prognosis of patients hospitalized for COVID-19. There was an associated increase in mortality, length of stay, ventilator use, and adverse discharge dispositions among COVID-19 patients with CVD. Adjustment in treatment for CVD should be considered when providing care to patients hospitalized for COVID-19 to mitigate some of the adverse hospital outcomes.

[Study analysis evaluating the management and epidemiological aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Senegal one year on]

Introduction

after a year of evolution, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a burden. The African continent has not had the high case and death rates from COVID-19 as was predicted early in the pandemic. However, coronavirus is placing severe strains on Africa´s health and economic sectors. Senegal, like other African countries, continues to face this pandemic. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the management strategy and the epidemiological profile of the pandemic in Senegal one year on.

Methods

we listed all patients who tested positive for COVID-19 by RT-PCR throughout the country during the first year of the pandemic, from 2 March 2020 (first case date) to 1st March 2021. Epidemiological data were analysed.

Results

a total of 34,732 positive cases were diagnosed and recorded in one year, with a case-fatality rate of 2.5%. All the country´s administrative regions had been affected. Dakar, the capital, was the epicentre of the pandemic. Male predominance was established on the basis of the number of positive cases and deaths. The average age of subjects was 47 years and the cure rate was 83.5%. People over 60 were the most vulnerable, particularly those with cardiovascular co-morbidities.

Conclusion

Senegal´s strategy for managing COVID-19 has received international recognition. It has been dynamic, drawing on experience from previous management of public health events such as Ebola. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on our fragile health systems. However, the response and the results achieved highlight the significant progress made by our country, helping to ensure the resilience of the health system.

Ocular and systemic determinants of perifoveal and macular vessel parameters in healthy African Americans

PURPOSE

To determine the relationship of various systemic and ocular characteristics with perifoveal and macular vessel density in healthy African American eyes.

DESIGN

A population-based cross-sectional study of prospectively recruited African Americans ≥40 years of age. Participants underwent 3×3 mm and 6×6 mm macula scans using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), clinical examinations and clinical questionnaires. Participants with glaucoma, severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, proliferative diabetic retinopathy and macular oedema were excluded. Custom MATLAB based software quantified vessel area density (VAD) and vessel skeleton density (VSD) in the superficial retinal layer of the macula. Multivariable regression analysis, controlling for inter-eye correlation, was performed to determine systemic and ocular determinants of macular vessel metrics using stepwise selection. Candidate variables included: age, gender, body mass index, history of smoking, history of diabetes, diabetes duration, history of stroke or brain haemorrhage, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure, central subfield thickness (CSFT), visual field mean deviation, intraocular pressure, axial length (AL), mean ocular perfusion pressure and signal strength (SS).

RESULTS

A total of 2221 OCTA imaged eyes from 1472 participants were included in this study. Reduced perifoveal and macular VAD and VSD were independently associated with longer AL, reduced SS, reduced CSFT and older age. Male gender and lower DBP were also associated with reduced perifoveal and macular VSD.

CONCLUSIONS

When interpreting OCTA images in a clinical setting, it is important to consider the effects ocular and systemic characteristics may have on the macular microcirculation.

Sex differences in the prognostic value of troponin and D-dimer in COVID-19 illness

BACKGROUND

Male sex, elevated troponin levels, and elevated D-dimer levels are associated with more complicated COVID-19 illness and greater mortality; however, while there are known sex differences in the prognostic value of troponin and D-dimer in other disease states, it is unknown whether they exist in the setting of COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed whether sex modified the relationship between troponin, D-dimer, and severe COVID-19 illness (defined as mechanical ventilation, ICU admission or transfer, discharge to hospice, or death).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at a large, academic health system. We used multivariable regression to assess associations between sex, troponin, D-dimer, and severe COVID-19 illness, adjusting for demographic, clinical, and laboratory covariates. To test whether sex modified the relationship between severe COVID-19 illness and troponin or D-dimer, models with interaction terms were utilized.

RESULTS

Among 4,574 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, male sex was associated with higher levels of troponin and greater odds of severe COVID-19 illness, but lower levels of initial D-dimer when compared with female sex. While sex did not modify the relationship between troponin level and severe COVID-19 illness, peak D-dimer level was more strongly associated with severe COVID-19 illness in male patients compared to female patients (males: OR=2.91, 95%CI=2.63-2.34, p<0.001; females: OR=2.31, 95%CI=2.04-2.63, p<0.001; p-interaction=0.005).

CONCLUSION

Sex did not modify the association between troponin level and severe COVID-19 illness, but did modify the association between peak D-dimer and severe COVID-19 illness, suggesting greater prognostic value for D-dimer in males with COVID-19.

Sex differences in cardiovascular complications and mortality in hospital patients with covid-19: registry based observational study

Objective

To assess whether the risk of cardiovascular complications of covid-19 differ between the sexes and to determine whether any sex differences in risk are reduced in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular disease.

Design

Registry based observational study.

Setting

74 hospitals across 13 countries (eight European) participating in CAPACITY-COVID (Cardiac complicAtions in Patients With SARS Corona vIrus 2 regisTrY), from March 2020 to May 2021.

Participants

All adults (aged ≥18 years), predominantly European, admitted to hospital with highly suspected covid-19 disease or covid-19 disease confirmed by positive laboratory test results (n=11 167 patients).

Main outcome measures

Any cardiovascular complication during admission to hospital. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and individual cardiovascular complications with ≥20 events for each sex. Logistic regression was used to examine sex differences in the risk of cardiovascular outcomes, overall and grouped by pre-existing cardiovascular disease.

Results

Of 11 167 adults (median age 68 years, 40% female participants) included, 3423 (36% of whom were female participants) had pre-existing cardiovascular disease. In both sexes, the most common cardiovascular complications were supraventricular tachycardias (4% of female participants, 6% of male participants), pulmonary embolism (3% and 5%), and heart failure (decompensated or de novo) (2% in both sexes). After adjusting for age, ethnic group, pre-existing cardiovascular disease, and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, female individuals were less likely than male individuals to have a cardiovascular complication (odds ratio 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.64 to 0.80) or die (0.65, 0.59 to 0.72). Differences between the sexes were not modified by pre-existing cardiovascular disease; for the primary outcome, the female-to-male ratio of the odds ratio in those without, compared with those with, pre-existing cardiovascular disease was 0.84 (0.67 to 1.07).

Conclusions

In patients admitted to hospital for covid-19, female participants were less likely than male participants to have a cardiovascular complication. The differences between the sexes could not be attributed to the lower prevalence of pre-existing cardiovascular disease in female individuals. The reasons for this advantage in female individuals requires further research.

COVID-19's immuno-pathology and cardiovascular diseases

The pandemic of COVID-19 in worldwide causes recent millions of morbidity and mortality in all countries and is the most important challenge in the world in recent years. Coronavirus is a single-stranded RNA virus and infection with COVID-19 leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome, lung inflammation, cytokine storm, and death. The other complications include endothelial dysfunction, activation of coagulation, thromboembolic events, and vascular disease. Cardiovascular complications such as myocardial and stroke ischemia, pulmonary thromboembolism, systemic arterial, and deep vein thrombosis were reported. In this review, we presented immuno-pathological mechanisms and the effects of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system, heart, vessels, coagulation system, and molecular glance of immuno-inflammation to the COVID-19's pathology on the cardiovascular system.

Cardiac abnormalities in Long COVID 1-year post-SARS-CoV-2 infection

BACKGROUND

Long COVID is associated with multiple symptoms and impairment in multiple organs. Cross-sectional studies have reported cardiac impairment to varying degrees by varying methodologies. Using cardiac MR (CMR), we investigated a 12-month trajectory of abnormalities in Long COVID.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate cardiac abnormalities 1-year post-SARS-CoV-2 infection.

METHODS

534 individuals with Long COVID underwent CMR (T1/T2 mapping, cardiac mass, volumes, function and strain) and multiorgan MRI at 6 months (IQR 4.3-7.3) since first post-COVID-19 symptoms. 330 were rescanned at 12.6 (IQR 11.4-14.2) months if abnormal baseline findings were reported. Symptoms, questionnaires and blood samples were collected at both time points. CMR abnormalities were defined as ≥1 of low left or right ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), high left or right ventricular end diastolic volume, low 3D left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS), or elevated native T1 in ≥3 cardiac segments. Significant change over time was reported by comparison with 92 healthy controls.

RESULTS

Technical success of multiorgan and CMR assessment in non-acute settings was 99.1% and 99.6% at baseline, and 98.3% and 98.8% at follow-up. Of individuals with Long COVID, 102/534 (19%) had CMR abnormalities at baseline; 71/102 had complete paired data at 12 months. Of those, 58% presented with ongoing CMR abnormalities at 12 months. High sensitivity cardiac troponin I and B-type natriuretic peptide were not predictive of CMR findings, symptoms or clinical outcomes. At baseline, low LVEF was associated with persistent CMR abnormality, abnormal GLS associated with low quality of life and abnormal T1 in at least three segments was associated with better clinical outcomes at 12 months.

CONCLUSION

CMR abnormalities (left entricular or right ventricular dysfunction/dilatation and/or abnormal T1mapping), occurred in one in five individuals with Long COVID at 6 months, persisting in over half of those at 12 months. Cardiac-related blood biomarkers could not identify CMR abnormalities in Long COVID.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04369807.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging of COVID-19-Associated Cardiac Sequelae: A Systematic Review

Background

Many COVID-19 survivors experience persistent COVID-19 related cardiac abnormalities weeks to months after recovery from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Non-invasive cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is an important tool of choice for clinical diagnosis of cardiac dysfunctions. In this systematic review, we analyzed the CMR findings and biomarkers of COVID-19 related cardiac sequela after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA), we conducted a systematic review of studies that assessed COVID-19 related cardiac abnormalities using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 21 cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies were included in the analyses.

Results

Ten studies reported CMR results < 3 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection and 11 studies > 3 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Abnormal T1, abnormal T2, elevated extracellular volume, late gadolinium enhancement and myocarditis was reported less frequently in the > 3-month studies. Eight studies reported an association between biomarkers and CMR findings. Elevated troponin was associated with CMR pathology in 5/6 studies, C-reactive protein in 3/5 studies, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in 1/2 studies, and lactate dehydrogenase and D-dimer in a single study. The rate of myocarditis via CMR was 18% (154/868) across all studies. Most SARS-CoV-2 associated CMR abnormalities resolved over time.

Conclusions

There were CMR abnormalities associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and most abnormalities resolved over time. A panel of cardiac injury and inflammatory biomarkers could be useful in identifying patients who are likely to present with abnormal CMR pathology after COVID-19. Multiple mechanisms are likely responsible for COVID-19 induced cardiac abnormalities.

Cardiometabolic Risk after SARS-CoV-2 Virus Infection: A Retrospective Exploratory Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to characterize the cardiometabolic risk of individuals who were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and subsequently admitted to a hospital in a major city in mainland Portugal.

METHODS

This is a retrospective exploratory study using a sample of 102 patients, with data analysis including descriptive statistics, nonparametric measures of association between variables based on Spearman's rank-order correlation, a logistic regression model for predicting the likelihood that an individual might eventually pass away, and a multiple linear regression model to predict a likely increase in the number of days an infected patient remained in the hospital.

RESULTS

About 62.7% of the individuals required intensive care on the second day of hospitalization, remaining 14.2 days in the intensive care unit (ICU) on average. The likelihood that an individual might eventually pass away due to SARS-CoV-2 virus infection increases for the older than younger ones and increases even more if he/she suffers from cardiometabolic disorders such as obesity, especially cardiovascular disease. Older individuals and those with obesity and hypertension remained more days in the ICU.

CONCLUSIONS

A later age and the prevalence of cardiometabolic disorders severely affect the care pathway of individuals infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The sex and gender dimensions of COVID-19: A narrative review of the potential underlying factors

Multiple lines of evidence indicate that the male sex is a significant risk factor for severe disease and mortality due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the precise explanation for the discrepancy is currently unclear. Immunologically, the female-biased protection against COVID-19 could presumably be due to a more rapid and robust immune response to viruses exhibited by males. The female hormones, e.g., estrogens and progesterone, may have protective roles against viral infections. In contrast, male hormones, e.g., testosterone, can act oppositely. Besides, the expression of the ACE-2 receptor in the lung and airway lining, which the SARS-CoV-2 uses to enter cells, is more pronounced in males. Estrogen potentially plays a role in downregulating the expression of ACE-2, which could be a plausible biological explanation for the reduced severity of COVID-19 in females. Comorbidities, e.g., cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and kidney disorders, are considered significant risk factors for severe outcomes in COVID-19. Age-adjusted data shows that males are statistically more predisposed to these morbidities-amplifying risks for males with COVID-19. In addition, many sociocultural factors and gender-constructed behavior of men and women impact exposure to infections and outcomes. In many parts of the world, women are more likely to abide by health regulations, e.g., mask-wearing and handwashing, than men. In contrast, men, in general, are more involved with high-risk behaviors, e.g., smoking and alcohol consumption, and high-risk jobs that require admixing with people, which increases their risk of exposure to the infection. Overall, males and females suffer differently from COVID-19 due to a complex interplay between many biological and sociocultural factors.

Association between influenza vaccination and mortality due to COVID-19

Background

It has recently been suggested that influenza vaccination may be a factor associated with decreased COVID-19 mortality.

Methods

An age-matched case–control study based on hospital cases. We included subjects aged 18 years and older with a diagnosis of moderate to severe COVID-19. Infection was corroborated by RT-PCR test for SARS-COV-2. Deceased subjects were considered cases, controls were patients discharged due to improvement of acute symptoms. We used bivariate analysis to determine factors associated with death from COVID-19, and calculated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

A total of 560 patients were included in the study, 214 (38.2%) were considered cases and 346 (61.7%) controls. A significant difference was observed with the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus [54% vs. 39.3% between cases and controls, respectively (P = 0.04)] and having received influenza vaccination (P = 0.02). Type 2 diabetes mellitus was associated with higher COVID-19 mortality [OR 1.8 (95% CI 1.2–2.5) P = 0.01], whereas having been immunised against influenza in 2019 was associated with lower mortality in this group of patients [OR 0.6 (95% CI 0.4–0.9) P = 0.02].

Conclusions

Influenza vaccination in the previous year appears to be associated with lower mortality from COVID-19; whereas type 2 diabetes mellitus is confirmed as a condition associated with higher mortality.

Biomarkers of Cardiac Injury, Renal Injury, and Inflammation Are Strong Mediators of Sex-Associated Death in COVID-19

Background

Studies examining outcomes among individuals with COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) have consistently demonstrated that men have worse outcomes than women, with a higher incidence of myocardial injury, respiratory failure, and death. However, mechanisms of higher morbidity and mortality among men remain poorly understood. We aimed to identify mediators of the relationship between sex and COVID-19-associated mortality.

Methods

Patients hospitalized at two quaternary care facilities, New York Presbyterian Hospital (CUIMC/NYPH) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), for SARS-CoV-2 infection between February and May 2020 were included. Five independent biomarkers were identified as mediators of sex effects, including high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTNT), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), ferritin, D-dimer, and creatinine.

Results

In the CUIMC/NYPH cohort (n = 2,626, 43% female), male sex was associated with significantly greater mortality (26 vs. 21%, p = 0.0146) and higher peak hs-cTNT, hs-CRP, ferritin, D-dimer, and creatinine (p &lt; 0.001). The effect of male sex on the primary outcome of death was partially mediated by peak values of all five biomarkers, suggesting that each pathophysiological pathway may contribute to increased risk of death in men. Hs-cTnT, creatinine, and hs-CRP were the strongest mediators. Findings were highly consistent in the MGH cohort with the exception of D-dimer.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the effect of sex on COVID-19 outcomes is mediated by cardiac and kidney injury, as well as underlying differences in inflammation and iron metabolism. Exploration of these specific pathways may facilitate sex-directed diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for patients with COVID-19 and provides a framework for the study of sex differences in other complex diseases.

The Potential Impact of COVID-19 Virus on the Heart and the Circulatory System

Heart attacks, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathy are all linked to the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which has been identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Nothing can be held accountable in the current state of affairs. Undiagnosed chronic systolic heart failure (CSHF) develops when the heart’s second half of the cardiac cycle does not function properly. As a result, the heart’s blood pumping function is interrupted. Stress-induced cardiomyopathy may be caused by a variety of factors inside the body (SICM). Cytokine storm and microvascular dysfunction are among the issues. There is inflammation in the heart muscle, which may lead to stress-induced cardiomyopathy. A major part of our study is going to be devoted to understanding the effects of coronavirus on the cardiovascular system and blood vessels. A lot of time and effort has been put into figuring out the health effects of radiation exposure. The heart and circulatory system are shown to be affected by the coronavirus in this research. COVID-19 is shown to influence persons with heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, microvascular angiopathy, and cardiac damage in this study.

Sex-Related Differences in Long-COVID-19 Syndrome

Background: Sex differences have been demonstrated in the acute phase of COVID-19. Women (F) were found to be less prone to develop a severe disease than men (M), but few studies have assessed sex-differences in Long-COVID-19 syndrome. Methods: The aim of this prospective/retrospective study was to characterize the long-term consequences of this infection based on sex. For this purpose, we enrolled 223 patients (89 F and 134 M) who were infected by SARS-CoV-2. In the acute phase of the illness, F reported the following symptoms more frequently than M: weakness, dysgeusia, anosmia, thoracic pain, palpitations, diarrhea, and myalgia-all without significant differences in breathlessness, cough, and sleep disturbance. Results: After a mean follow-up time of 5 months after the acute phase, F were significantly more likely than M to report dyspnea, weakness, thoracic pain, palpitations, and sleep disturbance but not myalgia and cough. At the multivariate logistic regression, women were statistically significantly likely to experience persistent symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, and palpitations. On the contrary, myalgia, cough, and sleep disturbance were not influenced by sex. Conclusion: We demonstrated that F were more symptomatic than M not only in the acute phase but also at follow-up. Sex was found to be an important determinant of Long-COVID-19 syndrome because it is a significant predictor of persistent symptoms in F, such as dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, and palpitations. Our results suggest the need for long-term follow-up of these patients from a sex perspective to implement early preventive and personalized therapeutic strategies.

A close-up view of dynamic biomarkers in the setting of COVID-19: Striking focus on cardiovascular system

Based on the recent reports, cardiovascular events encompass a large portion of the mortality caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which drawn cardiologists into the management of the admitted ill patients. Given that common laboratory values may provide key insights into the illness caused by the life-threatening SARS-CoV-2 virus, it would be more helpful for screening, clinical management and on-time therapeutic strategies. Commensurate with these issues, this review article aimed to discuss the dynamic changes of the common laboratory parameters during COVID-19 and their association with cardiovascular diseases. Besides, the values that changed in the early stage of the disease were considered and monitored during the recovery process. The time required for returning biomarkers to basal levels was also discussed. Finally, of particular interest, we tended to abridge the latest updates regarding the cardiovascular biomarkers as prognostic and diagnostic criteria to determine the severity of COVID-19.

Roles of steroid receptors in the lung and COVID-19

COVID-19 symptoms and mortality are largely due to its devastating effects in the lungs. The disease is caused by the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)-CoV-2 coronavirus, which requires host cell proteins such as ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) and TMPRSS2 (transmembrane serine protease 2) for infection of lung epithelia. The expression and function of the steroid hormone receptor family is important in many aspects that impact on COVID-19 effects in the lung - notably lung development and function, the immune system, and expression of TMPRSS2 and ACE2. This review provides a brief summary of current knowledge on the roles of the steroid hormone receptors [androgen receptor (AR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), progesterone receptor (PR), mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and oestrogen receptor (ER)] in the lung, their effects on host cell proteins that facilitate SARS-CoV-2 uptake, and provides a snapshot of current clinical trials investigating the use of steroid receptor (SR) ligands to treat COVID-19.

Cardiovascular disease and COVID-19: a consensus paper from the ESC Working Group on Coronary Pathophysiology & Microcirculation, ESC Working Group on Thrombosis and the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care (ACVC), in collaboration with the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA)

The cardiovascular system is significantly affected in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Microvascular injury, endothelial dysfunction, and thrombosis resulting from viral infection or indirectly related to the intense systemic inflammatory and immune responses are characteristic features of severe COVID-19. Pre-existing cardiovascular disease and viral load are linked to myocardial injury and worse outcomes. The vascular response to cytokine production and the interaction between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor may lead to a significant reduction in cardiac contractility and subsequent myocardial dysfunction. In addition, a considerable proportion of patients who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 do not fully recover and continue to experience a large number of symptoms and post-acute complications in the absence of a detectable viral infection. This conditions often referred to as 'post-acute COVID-19' may have multiple causes. Viral reservoirs or lingering fragments of viral RNA or proteins contribute to the condition. Systemic inflammatory response to COVID-19 has the potential to increase myocardial fibrosis which in turn may impair cardiac remodelling. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of cardiovascular injury and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. As the pandemic continues and new variants emerge, we can advance our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms only by integrating our understanding of the pathophysiology with the corresponding clinical findings. Identification of new biomarkers of cardiovascular complications, and development of effective treatments for COVID-19 infection are of crucial importance.

Depression pandemic and cardiovascular risk in the COVID-19 era and long COVID syndrome: Gender makes a difference

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a significant interplay between cardiovascular disease (CVD), COVID-19 related inflammatory status, and depression. Cardiovascular (CV) injury is responsible for a substantial percentage of COVID-19 deaths while COVID-19 social restrictions emerged as a non-negligible risk factor for CVD as well as a variety of mental health issues, and in particular, depression. Inflammation seems to be a shared condition between these two disorders.

Gender represents a potential modifying factor both in CVD and depression, as well as in COVID-19 short- and long-term outcomes, particularly in cases involving long-term COVID complications.

Results from emerging studies indicate that COVID-19 pandemic affected male and female populations in different ways. Women seem to experience less severe short-term complications but suffer worse long-term COVID complications, including depression, reduced physical activity, and deteriorating lifestyle habits, all of which may impact CV risk. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge about the interplay between COVID-19, depression, and CV risk in women.

The hidden interplay between sex and COVID-19 mortality: the role of cardiovascular calcification

Recent clinical and demographical studies on COVID-19 patients have demonstrated that men experience worse outcomes than women. However, in most cases, the data were not stratified according to gender, limiting the understanding of the real impact of gender on outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the disaggregated in-hospital outcomes and explore the possible interactions between gender and cardiovascular calcifications. Data was derived from the sCORE-COVID-19 registry, an Italian multicentre registry that enrolled COVID-19 patients who had undergone a chest computer tomography scan on admission. A total of 1683 hospitalized patients (mean age 67±14 years) were included. Men had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities, a higher pneumonia extension, more coronary calcifications (63% vs.50.9%, p<0.001), and a higher coronary calcium score (391±847 vs. 171±479 mm3, p<0.001). Men experienced a significantly higher mortality rate (24.4% vs. 17%, p=0.001), but the death event tended to occur earlier in women (15±7 vs. 8±7 days, p= 0.07). Non-survivors had a higher coronary, thoracic aorta, and aortic valve calcium score. Female sex, a known independent predictor of a favorable outcome in SARS-CoV2 infection, was not protective in women with a coronary calcification volume greater than 100 mm3. There were significant differences in cardiovascular comorbidities and vascular calcifications between men and women with SARS-CoV2 pneumonia. The differences in outcomes can be at least partially explained by the different cardiovascular profiles. However, women with poor outcomes had the same coronary calcific burden as men. The presumed favorable female sex bias in COVID-19 must therefore be reviewed in the context of comorbidities, especially cardiovascular ones.

Sex Differences in Association Between Anti-Hypertensive Medications and Risk of COVID-19 in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Background

There is ongoing debate about the associations between drug therapies targeting the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) and adverse outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Objective

This study aims to examine the associations between using medications for the cardiovascular system and the risks associated with COVID-19 in middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

A total of 77,221 participants (aged 50–86 years) from UK Biobank were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The medications included angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARB), β-blockers, calcium channel blockers (CCB), statins, and aspirin. COVID-19 outcomes comprised a positive test result and severity of COVID-19 (defined as mild, hospitalization or death). We evaluated the risk among total participants and for sub-groups based on sex. Propensity score matching was performed 1:1 and logistic regression models were used.

Results

Among the middle- and older aged participants, no significant associations between any class of medications and the likelihood of COVID-19 infection were observed. ACEI were associated with a higher mortality risk from COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR] 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.32) and CCB were associated with a lower hospitalization risk for COVID-19 (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.79–0.96) among the male patients with COVID-19, while a lower mortality risk from COVID-19 (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.47–0.96) was observed with ARB among the female patients with COVID-19.

Conclusions

The study suggested sex differences in the risk of death from COVID-19 with the use of ACEI and ARB among middle-aged and older adults. Sex differences in the risk of hospitalization for COVID-19 with the use of CCB was observed as well. It is of clinical importance that clinicians adopt different CVD treatment approaches for female and male patients with COVID-19.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40266-021-00886-y.

Mortality and risk factors associated with pulmonary embolism in coronavirus disease 2019 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To determine, in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, the associations of pulmonary embolism (PE) with mortality and risk factors for PE as well as the therapeutic benefit of anticoagulant prophylaxis. Embase, PubMed, Cochrane controlled trials register, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to October 10, 2020. We included all published trials on PE in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 with eligibility of the trials assessed following the PRISMA guidelines. Sixteen clinical trials with 5826 patients were eligible. There were significant associations of PE with the male gender [odd ratio (OR) = 1.59, 95% CI 1.28-1.97], mechanical ventilation (OR = 3.71, 95% CI 2.57-5.36), intensive care unit admission (OR = 2.99, 95% CI 2.11-4.23), circulating D-dimer [mean difference (MD) = 5.04 µg/mL, 95% CI 3.67-6.42) and CRP (MD = 1.97 mg/dL, 95% CI 0.58- 3.35) concentrations without significant correlation between PE and mortality (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 0.82-2.08) as well as other parameters or comorbidities. After omitting one trial with strict patient selection criteria for anticoagulant prophylaxis, significant prophylactic benefit was noted (OR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.1-0.91). Our findings identified the risk factors associated with PE in COVID-19 patients and supported the therapeutic benefit of anticoagulant prophylaxis against PE in this patient population.

COVID-19 incidence and mortality in the Metropolitan Region, Chile: Time, space, and structural factors

Demographic, health, and socioeconomic factors significantly inform COVID-19 outcomes. This article analyzes the association of these factors and outcomes in Chile during the first five months of the pandemic. Using the municipalities Metropolitan Region's municipalities as the unit of analysis, the study looks at the role of time dynamics, space, and place in cases and deaths over a 100-day period between March and July 2020. As a result, common and idiosyncratic elements explain the prevalence and dynamics of infections and mortality. Social determinants of health, particularly multidimensional poverty index and use of public transportation play an important role in explaining differences in outcomes. The article contributes to the understanding of the determinants of COVID-19 highlighting the need to consider time-space dynamics and social determinants as key in the analysis. Structural factors are important to identify at-risk populations and to select policy strategies to prevent and mitigate the effects of COVID-19. The results are especially relevant for similar research in unequal settings.

[SARS-CoV-2-associated deaths in adult persons up to 50 years of age]

INTRODUCTION

Several evaluations of deaths in persons of advanced age associated with SARS-CoV‑2 can be found in the international literature. The aim of this work was the evaluation of deaths associated with SARS-CoV‑2 of persons of younger or middle age (up to 50 years) at the Institute of Legal Medicine in Hamburg, Germany, with presentation of frequency, comorbidities and disease courses.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 735 SARS-CoV-2-associated cases of decedents with registered addresses in Hamburg were evaluated in 2020 at the Institute of Legal Medicine in Hamburg, Germany, using various examination methods. The selection and performance of the respective methods was based on the consent given by the relatives. In addition, more autopsies of decedents with a registered address outside Hamburg and positive SARS-CoV‑2 detection were performed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Of the 735 decedents 9 with a registered Hamburg address and 3 of the deaths studied with an external registered address (n = 12; 7 men and 5 women) were aged 50 years or younger, with an average age of 39.8 years. Essentially, there were cardiovascular, neurological, and malignant pre-existing diseases, as well as obesity. The SARS-CoV‑2 was detected post-mortem for the first time in two cases; these were found to have a virus-independent cause of death. Of the individuals 7 died from COVID-19 pneumonia, 3 individuals from the consequences of the necessary intensive medical treatment.Several studies have demonstrated an association between obesity and severe SARS-CoV-2-related disease progression, particularly in younger patients and this was confirmed in the legal medicine study population.

Sex- or Gender-specific Differences in the Clinical Presentation, Outcome, and Treatment of SARS-CoV-2

This review describes the sex and gender differences in COVID-19 presentation, treatment, and outcomes. We discuss the differences between the sexes in susceptibility to infection, the role of sex chromosomes on the body's immunologic response and the influence of hormones on the body's response to the virus. Additionally, the sex differences in clinical and laboratory presentation, complications of infection and outcomes, as well as differences in response to treatment and prevention are reviewed.

The Female Athlete's Heart: Overview and Management of Cardiovascular Diseases

The number of female athletes taking part in elite and amateur sport is ever increasing. In contrast with male athletes, few studies have focused on cardiovascular adaptations to exercise in women, the effects of lifelong exercise on heart muscle and electrical tissue, the risk of exerciserelated sudden cardiac death and the management of cardiovascular disease. Women have a lower prevalence of large QRS complexes, repolarisation changes including inferior and lateral T-wave inversion, and cardiac dimensions exceeding predicted limits compared with men. The risk of exercise-related sudden cardiac death is significantly lower in women than men. Also, women who have engaged in lifelong exercise do not have a higher prevalence of AF, coronary artery calcification or myocardial fibrosis than their sedentary counterparts. Apart from providing an overview of the existing literature relating to cardiac adaptations, this review explores possible reasons for the sex differences and focuses on the management of cardiovascular disorders that affect female athletes.