Cardiovascular diseases burden in COVID-19: About a Moroccan experience

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 has been responsive of a worldwide pandemic primarily causing respiratory illness. Cardiovascular involvement can occur through several mechanisms. SARS-COV-2 may trigger a cytokine storm resulting in hyperinflammatory response and multiorgan damage. High rates of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been reported during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Preexisting CVD is associated with increased mortality in COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, SARS-COV-2 seems to promote the development of various CVD. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to relate cardiovascular diseases distribution among patients screened for COVID-19. METHOD: It relies on a retrospective study conducted between September 2020 and February 2021 including patients diagnosed for COVID-19 in the cardiology department of IBN ROCHD University Hospital. RESULTS: Twelve patients were included. Among these patients, nine had PCR+ and three had positive serology testing (IGg+). Mean age of the population was 48 years old with male predominance (sex ratio = 1.4). Three patients had medical history of hypertension, two of them were diabetic and five patients were chronic smokers. During hospitalization, seven patients reported cough, while six had fever. Main clinical presentation was ACS, followed by myopericarditis, decompensated heart failure and pulmonary embolism. Mean CRP was 35.45 and mean hsTn was 7401 pg/L. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the variety of diseases that may be caused by the SARS-COV2. Given the cardiovascular diseases burden during COVID-19 global pandemic, further researches are required to understand the incidence, mechanisms and outcomes of various CV manifestations in COVID-19 patients.