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Srinivasa S, Kaur S, Dharani A, Choi E, Kalidas A, Slater R, Mifflin S. Clinical Outcomes of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers in COVID-19 Patients With Pre-existing Cardiac Comorbidities: A Literature Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e51244. [PMID: 38283421 PMCID: PMC10821793 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The growing research regarding the implementation of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in the treatment of COVID-19 in patients with pre-existing cardiac comorbidities has become a large topic of discussion since the onset of the pandemic. Previous research primarily associates positive outcomes to the use of these drug classes due to their mechanism of action, which involves the downregulation of angiotensin I-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) pathway, inflammatory mediators, and cytokines. Thus, these medications can convey preventative and protective effects in patients suffering from a SARS-CoV-2 infection. While we explored the studies that supported the positive outcomes of the use of these drugs in the first half of this review, we also expanded on the limitations of these studies in the latter portion. We also further explored the contradictory studies that indicated that using these antihypertensives can paradoxically increase the severity of COVID-19 infection as well. The studies in support of the use of these medications should consider epigenetic variations, ACE2 variants and acknowledge inherent genetic variations in certain ethnic groups as some have a predisposition for a severe COVID-19 infection. Additionally, mortality rates need to be taken into consideration in these studies as they naturally differ throughout the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic. While some studies are in support of the use of these antihypertensives despite other studies suggesting otherwise, further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of these antihypertensives and observe whether they are truly beneficial or not in reducing the severity of COVID-19 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandhya Srinivasa
- Medicine, University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, San Antonio, USA
| | - Simran Kaur
- Medicine, University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, San Antonio, USA
| | - Anam Dharani
- Medicine, University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, San Antonio, USA
| | - Ellen Choi
- Medicine, University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, San Antonio, USA
| | - Amar Kalidas
- Medicine, University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, San Antonio, USA
| | - Robert Slater
- Integrative Medicine, University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, San Antonio, USA
| | - Steven Mifflin
- Research and Development, University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, San Antonio, USA
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Barkhordarian M, Behbood A, Ranjbar M, Rahimian Z, Prasad A. Overview of the cardio-metabolic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Endocrine 2023; 80:477-490. [PMID: 37103684 PMCID: PMC10133915 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03337-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Evidence has shown that cardiometabolic disorders (CMDs) are amongst the top contributors to COVID-19 infection morbidity and mortality. The reciprocal impact of COVID-19 infection and the most common CMDs, the risk factors for poor composite outcome among patients with one or several underlying diseases, the effect of common medical management on CMDs and their safety in the context of acute COVID-19 infection are reviewed. Later on, the changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine on the general population's lifestyle (diet, exercise patterns) and metabolic health, acute cardiac complications of different COVID-19 vaccines and the effect of CMDs on the vaccine efficacy are discussed. Our review identified that the incidence of COVID-19 infection is higher among patients with underlying CMDs such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Also, CMDs increase the risk of COVID-19 infection progression to severe disease phenotypes (e.g. hospital and/or ICU admission, use of mechanical ventilation). Lifestyle modification during COVID-19 era had a great impact on inducing and worsening of CMDs. Finally, the lower efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines was found in patients with metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Barkhordarian
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Arezoo Behbood
- MPH department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Maryam Ranjbar
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Zahra Rahimian
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Anand Prasad
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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3
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Gonçalves J, Santos CD, Fresco P, Fernandez-Llimos F. Potential use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors to reduce COVID-19 severity. Rev Port Cardiol 2023; 42:373-383. [PMID: 36893838 PMCID: PMC9999244 DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2022.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection and its clinical manifestations (COVID-19) quickly evolved to a pandemic and a global public health emergency. The limited effectivity of available treatments aimed at reducing virus replication and the lessons learned from other coronavirus infections (SARS-CoV-1 or NL63) that share the internalization process of SARS-CoV-2, led us to revisit the COVID-19 pathogenesis and potential treatments. Virus protein S binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) initiating the internalization process. Endosome formation removes ACE2 from the cellular membrane preventing its counter-regulative effect mediated by the metabolism of angiotensin II to angiotensin (1-7). Internalized virus-ACE2 complexes have been identified for these coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2 presents the highest affinity for ACE2 and produces the most severe symptoms. Assuming ACE2 internalization is the trigger for COVID-19 pathogenesis, accumulation of angiotensin II can be viewed as the potential cause of symptoms. Angiotensin II is a strong vasoconstrictor, but has also important roles in hypertrophy, inflammation, remodeling, and apoptosis. Higher levels of ACE2 in the lungs explain the acute respiratory distress syndrome as primary symptoms. Most of the described findings and clinical manifestations of COVID-19, including increased interleukin levels, endothelial inflammation, hypercoagulability, myocarditis, dysgeusia, inflammatory neuropathies, epileptic seizures and memory disorders can be explained by excessive angiotensin II levels. Several meta-analyses have demonstrated that previous use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers were associated with better prognosis for COVID-19. Therefore, pragmatic trials to assess the potential therapeutic benefits of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors should be urgently promoted by health authorities to widen the therapeutic options for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; I(3)S: Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Catarina D Santos
- Laboratório de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Fresco
- Laboratório de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; I(3)S: Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Fernandez-Llimos
- Laboratório de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; CINTESIS - Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde, Porto, Portugal
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Schöning V, Hammann F. Drug-Disease Severity and Target-Disease Severity Interaction Networks in COVID-19 Patients. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091828. [PMID: 36145576 PMCID: PMC9504398 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug interactions with other drugs are a well-known phenomenon. Similarly, however, pre-existing drug therapy can alter the course of diseases for which it has not been prescribed. We performed network analysis on drugs and their respective targets to investigate whether there are drugs or targets with protective effects in COVID-19, making them candidates for repurposing. These networks of drug-disease interactions (DDSIs) and target-disease interactions (TDSIs) revealed a greater share of patients with diabetes and cardiac co-morbidities in the non-severe cohort treated with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors. A possible protective effect of DPP4 inhibitors is also plausible on pathophysiological grounds, and our results support repositioning efforts of DPP4 inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. At target level, we observed that the target location might have an influence on disease progression. This could potentially be attributed to disruption of functional membrane micro-domains (lipid rafts), which in turn could decrease viral entry and thus disease severity.
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Loader J, Taylor FC, Lampa E, Sundström J. Renin-Angiotensin Aldosterone System Inhibitors and COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Revealing Critical Bias Across a Body of Observational Research. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e025289. [PMID: 35624081 PMCID: PMC9238740 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.025289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Renin‐angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitor—COVID‐19 studies, observational in design, appear to use biased methods that can distort the interaction between RAAS inhibitor use and COVID‐19 risk. This study assessed the extent of bias in that research and reevaluated RAAS inhibitor—COVID‐19 associations in studies without critical risk of bias. Methods and Results Searches were performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases (December 1, 2019 to October 21, 2021) identifying studies that compared the risk of infection and/or severe COVID‐19 outcomes between those using or not using RAAS inhibitors (ie, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II type‐I receptor blockers). Weighted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CIs were extracted and pooled in fixed‐effects meta‐analyses, only from studies without critical risk of bias that assessed severe COVID‐19 outcomes. Of 169 relevant studies, 164 had critical risks of bias and were excluded. Ultimately, only two studies presented data relevant to the meta‐analysis. In 1 351 633 people with uncomplicated hypertension using a RAAS inhibitor, calcium channel blocker, or thiazide diuretic in monotherapy, the risk of hospitalization (angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor: HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66–0.87; P<0.001; angiotensin II type‐I receptor blockers: HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77–0.97; P=0.015) and intubation or death (angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor: HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.48–0.85; P=0.002; angiotensin II type‐I receptor blockers: HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.58–0.95; P=0.019) with COVID‐19 was lower in those using a RAAS inhibitor. However, these protective effects are probably not clinically relevant. Conclusions This study reveals the critical risk of bias that exists across almost an entire body of COVID‐19 research, raising an important question: Were research methods and/or peer‐review processes temporarily weakened during the surge of COVID‐19 research or is this lack of rigor a systemic problem that also exists outside pandemic‐based research? Registration URL: www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/; Unique identifier: CRD42021237859.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Loader
- Department of Medical Sciences Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden.,Inserm U1300 - HP2 CHU Grenoble Alpes Grenoble France
| | - Frances C Taylor
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute Melbourne Victoria Australia.,Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Erik Lampa
- Department of Medical Sciences Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
| | - Johan Sundström
- Department of Medical Sciences Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden.,The George Institute for Global Health University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
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6
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Yin J, Wang C, Song X, Li X, Miao M. Effects of Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors on Mortality and Disease Severity of COVID-19 Patients: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Hypertens 2022; 35:462-469. [PMID: 35512430 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is controversy over the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) on the prognosis in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), therefore, we aim to further explore the effect of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors on COVID-19-associated disease severity and mortality. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library databases, medRxiv, and bioRxiv from inception to 6 September 2021. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcome was severe disease which was defined as admission to the intensive care unit, the use of noninvasive or invasive mechanical ventilation, or death. RESULTS A total of 7 randomized controlled trials involving 1,321 COVID-19 patients were included. Fixed-effects meta-analysis demonstrated that the use of ACEI/ARB was not associated with higher risk of mortality (risk ratio [RR] = 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57-1.22, P = 0.10, I2 = 43%) and disease severity (RR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.71-1.05, P = 0.11, I2 = 47%). However, the subgroup analysis showed that compared with no ACEI/ARB use, the use of ARB was associated with a significant reduction of mortality (RR = 0.23, CI 0.09-0.60, P = 0.55, I2 = 0%) and disease severity (RR = 0.38, CI 0.19-0.77, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, based on the available data, ACEI/ARB is not associated with the risk of mortality and disease severity in COVID-19 patients. And ACEI/ARB medications, especially ARB, should not be discontinued for patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Yin
- Department of Pharmacy, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Henan, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Henan, China
| | - Chaoyang Wang
- Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoyong Song
- Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Henan, China
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Xiumin Li
- National International Cooperation Base of Chinese Medicine, Academy of Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Henan, China
| | - Mingsan Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Henan, China
- National International Cooperation Base of Chinese Medicine, Academy of Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Henan, China
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7
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Gabet A, Grave C, Tuppin P, Lesuffleur T, Guenancia C, Nguyen-Thanh V, Guignard R, Blacher J, Olié V. Nationwide Initiation of Cardiovascular Risk Treatments During the COVID-19 Pandemic in France: Women on a Slippery Slope? Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:856689. [PMID: 35548431 PMCID: PMC9081923 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.856689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study examines the initiation of prescribed medication treatments for cardiovascular risk (antihypertensives, lipid-lowering drugs, oral anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation, and smoking cessation medications) during the COVID-19 pandemic in the French population. Methods For each year between 2017 and 2021, we used the French National Insurance Database to identify the number of people with at least one reimbursement for these medications but no reimbursement in the previous 12 months. We computed incidence rate ratios (IRRs) between 2017–2019 and, respectively 2020 and 2021 using Poisson regression adjusted for age and 2017–2019 time trends. We recorded the number of lipid profile blood tests, Holter electrocardiograms, and consultations with family physicians or cardiologists. Results In 2020, IRR significantly decreased for initiations of antihypertensives (−11.1%[CI95%, −11.4%;−10.8%]), lipid-lowering drugs (−5.2%[CI95%, −5.5%;−4.8%]), oral anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation (−8.6%[CI95%, −9.1%;−8.0%]), and smoking cessation medications (−50.9%[CI95%, −51.1%;−50.7%]) compared to 2017–2019. Larger decreases were found in women compared to men except for smoking cessation medications, with the sex difference increasing with age. Similar analyses comparing 2021 to 2017–2019 showed an increase in the initiation of lipid-lowering drugs (+ 11.6%[CI95%, 10.7%;12.5%]) but even lower rates for the other medications, particularly in women. In addition, the 2020 number of people visiting a family physician or cardiologist decreased by 8.4 and 7.4%. A higher decrease in these visits was observed in those over 65 years of age compared to those under 65 years of age. A greater use of teleconsultation was found in women. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic heavily impacted the initiation of medication treatments for cardiovascular risk in France, particularly in women and people over 65 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Gabet
- Santé Publique France, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Amélie Gabet,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jacques Blacher
- Centre de Diagnostic et de Thérapeutique, Hôtel-Dieu, AP-HP, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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8
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Aftab OM, Modak A, Patel JC. Temporal variation, socioeconomic status, and out‐of‐hospital deaths as factors that influence mortality rates among hospitalized COVID‐19 patients receiving ACEIs/ARBs. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2022; 24:519-520. [PMID: 35312155 PMCID: PMC8989749 DOI: 10.1111/jch.14473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Owais M. Aftab
- Department of Medicine New Jersey Medical School Rutgers University Newark New Jersey USA
| | - Anurag Modak
- Department of Medicine New Jersey Medical School Rutgers University Newark New Jersey USA
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Rutgers University Piscataway New Jersey USA
| | - Jai C. Patel
- Department of Medicine New Jersey Medical School Rutgers University Newark New Jersey USA
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9
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Rizk JG, Wenziger C, Tran D, Hashemi L, Moradi H, Streja E, Ahluwalia A. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor and Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Use Associated with Reduced Mortality and Other Disease Outcomes in US Veterans with COVID-19. Drugs 2021; 82:43-54. [PMID: 34914085 PMCID: PMC8675115 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-021-01639-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Objective To determine the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) use and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity and outcomes in US veterans. Patients and Methods We retrospectively examined 27,556 adult US veterans who tested positive for COVID-19 between March to November 2020. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models using propensity score (PS) for weight, adjustment, and matching were used to examine the odds of an event within 60 days following a COVID-19–positive case date and time to death, respectively, according to ACEI and/or ARB prescription within 6 months prior to the COVID-19–positive case date. Results The overlap PS weighted logistic regression model showed lower odds of an intensive care unit (ICU) admission (odds ratio [OR] 95% CI 0.77, 0.61–0.98) and death within 60 days (0.87, 0.79–0.97) with an ACEI or ARB prescription. Veterans with an ARB-only prescription also had lower odds of an ICU admission (0.64, 0.44–0.92). The overlap PS weighted model similarly showed a lower risk of time to all-cause mortality in veterans with an ACEI or ARB prescription (HR [95% CI]: 0.87, 0.79–0.97) and an ARB only prescription (0.78, 0.67–0.91). Veterans with an ACEI prescription had higher odds of experiencing a septic event within 60 days after the COVID-19–positive case date (1.22, 1.02–1.46). Conclusion In this study of a national cohort of US veterans, we found that the use of an ACEI/ARB in patients with COVID-19 was not associated with increased mortality and other worse outcomes. Future studies should examine underlying pathways and further confirm the relationship of ACEI prescription with sepsis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40265-021-01639-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Rizk
- Arizona State University, Edson College, Phoenix, AZ, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cachet Wenziger
- Research, Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, 5901 East 7th Street, Long Beach, CA, 90822, USA.,Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Harold Simmons Center for Kidney Disease Research and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Diana Tran
- Research, Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, 5901 East 7th Street, Long Beach, CA, 90822, USA.,Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Harold Simmons Center for Kidney Disease Research and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Leila Hashemi
- Greater Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hamid Moradi
- Research, Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, 5901 East 7th Street, Long Beach, CA, 90822, USA.,Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Harold Simmons Center for Kidney Disease Research and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Elani Streja
- Research, Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, 5901 East 7th Street, Long Beach, CA, 90822, USA. .,Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Harold Simmons Center for Kidney Disease Research and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA.
| | - Amrita Ahluwalia
- Research, Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, 5901 East 7th Street, Long Beach, CA, 90822, USA.
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Dayaramani C, De Leon J, Reiss AB. Cardiovascular Disease Complicating COVID-19 in the Elderly. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:833. [PMID: 34441038 PMCID: PMC8399122 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57080833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, a single-stranded RNA coronavirus, causes an illness known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The highly transmissible virus gains entry into human cells primarily by the binding of its spike protein to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, which is expressed not only in lung tissue but also in cardiac myocytes and the vascular endothelium. Cardiovascular complications are frequent in patients with COVID-19 and may be a result of viral-associated systemic and cardiac inflammation or may arise from a virus-induced hypercoagulable state. This prothrombotic state is marked by endothelial dysfunction and platelet activation in both macrovasculature and microvasculature. In patients with subclinical atherosclerosis, COVID-19 may incite atherosclerotic plaque disruption and coronary thrombosis. Hypertension and obesity are common comorbidities in COVID-19 patients that may significantly raise the risk of mortality. Sedentary behaviors, poor diet, and increased use of tobacco and alcohol, associated with prolonged stay-at-home restrictions, may promote thrombosis, while depressed mood due to social isolation can exacerbate poor self-care. Telehealth interventions via smartphone applications and other technologies that document nutrition and offer exercise programs and social connections can be used to mitigate some of the potential damage to heart health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Allison B. Reiss
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY 11501, USA; (C.D.); (J.D.L.)
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