COVID-19 Infections in Cardiovascular Conditions

Covid-19 infections first confirmed in Indonesia in March 2020. Since then, the infection rate in Indonesia is not showing any sign of slowing down. From the latest data from BNPB (National Board of Disaster Management), the number of new confirmed cases in Indonesia per-29 June 2020 is 1082 cases. Accumulatively, there are 55.092 confirmed cases in Indonesia with East Java Province accounted for 11.508 cases (21.3% from total national cases)

Since its first discovery in Wuhan, People Republic of China, Covid-19 infections are known to affect the respiratory system. Patients are generally showing symptoms of fever, dry cough, dyspnea, nausea, sore throat, and headache. COVID-19 virus is originated from the same family as MERS and SARS virus who were known, causing severe respiratory distress in humans previously, which often result in death. Scientists then rushed to understand the COVID-19 work mechanism using the previous knowledge from SARS and MERS virus.

Initially, COVID-19 is thought to have a similar mechanism of work with its 2 previous predecessors. However, with recent discoveries, It is known that COVID-19 is more complex and affect the human organs systemically. Since patients could be asymptomatic for 14 days since the initial contraction of the virus, it is very challenging to detect the virus inside the body without any further supporting examinations. This situation works perfectly for the virus to spread in the community since the patient itself often not knowing they himself has contracted and pass on the virus to other people.

To be able to infect the human body, a virus need a specific receptor to facilitate its entry. COVID-19 uses a particular receptor called ACE-2, which located in the lungs. This receptor has many functions, one of which is responsible for the regulation of the cardiovascular system. When the virus adhered to the ACE-2 receptor, it disrupts the receptor's primary function and causes a disruption in the cardiovascular system. With that being said, patients with cardiovascular comorbidities such as hypertension, heart failure, and myocardial infarction were at higher risk of developing more severe symptoms than patients without those conditions.

With this in mind, what can we do to? As a prevention measure, we must wear masks and regularly wash our hands after contact with a hard surface. Even though we feel fine and healthy, we unknowingly may have become carriers of the virus and spread to the people in high-risk categories. In patients with cardiovascular comorbidity, the latest study has shown it is safe to continue the medication as prescribed and to keep aware of the symptoms. Communication via telemedicine, phone, online meeting, or WhatsApp messaging with a physician is advised to conduct any medical consultations. Avoid physical contact with others by minimizing unnecessary outdoor activity and maintain a healthy diet. With those in mind, hopefully, it can reduce the risk of infection and keeping ourselves safe.