Cardiovascular Manifestations of the Long COVID Syndrome

Abstract

While most coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) survivors have had complete resolution of symptoms, a significant proportion have suffered from incomplete recovery. Cardiopulmonary symptoms, such as dyspnea, chest pain, and palpitations are responsible for a substantial symptom burden in COVID-19 survivors. Studies have revealed persistent myocardial injury with late gadolinium enhancement and myocardial scar on cardiac magnetic resonance in a significant proportion of patients. Evidence of myocardial edema, active inflammation, left ventricular dysfunction, and right ventricular dysfunction, is limited to a minority of patients. Large observational studies of COVID-19 survivors have indicated an increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared to the general population, including the risk of coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmias. Management of long COVID is focused on supportive therapy to reduce systemic inflammation. Patients with high cardiovascular risk, namely, those who had cardiovascular complications during acute illness, patients who have new onset cardiopulmonary symptoms in the postinfectious period, and competitive athletes, should be evaluated by a cardiovascular specialist. Management of cardiovascular sequelae is currently based on general expert guideline recommendations given the lack of evidence specific to long COVID syndrome. In this review, we outline the cardiovascular manifestations of long COVID, the current evidence supporting cardiac abnormalities in the postinfectious period, and the recommended management of these patients.