A clinical case of concurrent course of the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19 and acute myocardial infarction

Abstract

COVID-19 is a severe acute respiratory infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus primarily affecting the respiratory system and leading to pathological changes in the cardiovascular system. The aim of the research is to analyze the clinical course of the new coronavirus infection in patients with comorbid conditions and the development of heart damage associated with COVID-19.

Materials and Methods: A clinical case of a patient belonging to a high-risk group is described, having comorbidities (such as chronic heart failure, type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension), an age of 77 years, and female gender. Despite the patient's late presentation for medical assistance, resulting in worsening of myocardial infarction, which occurred in combination with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, timely identification of the risk of cardiovascular complications was carried out during the hospitalization stage, and specific targeted therapy was initiated. However, 11 months after discharge, the patient experienced a second myocardial infarction, followed by a third one after 3.5 months (both with favorable outcomes).

Results of the Study: The presented clinical case confirms the existence of pathogenetic interaction between cardiovascular diseases and COVID-19, wherein the SARS-CoV-2 virus penetrates lung cells, heart, and other organs, affecting the endothelium of blood vessels, leading to partial destruction and damage to cardiac tissue.