Lipid Association of India 2023 update on cardiovascular risk assessment and lipid management in Indian patients: Consensus statement IV.

OBJECTIVE: In 2016, the Lipid Association of India (LAI) developed a cardiovascular risk assessment algorithm and defined low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals for prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in Indians. The recent refinements in the role of various risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis in prediction of ASCVD risk necessitated updating the risk algorithm and treatment goals. METHODS: The LAI core committee held twenty-one meetings and webinars from June 2022 to July 2023 with experts across India and critically reviewed the latest evidence regarding the strategies for ASCVD risk prediction and the benefits and modalities for intensive lipid lowering. Based on the expert consensus and extensive review of published data, consensus statement IV was commissioned. RESULTS: The young age of onset and a more aggressive nature of ASCVD in Indians necessitates emphasis on lifetime ASCVD risk instead of the conventional 10-year risk. It also demands early institution of aggressive preventive measures to protect the young population prior to development of ASCVD events. Wide availability and low cost of statins in India enable implementation of effective LDL-C lowering therapy in individuals at high risk of ASCVD. Subjects with any evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis are likely to benefit the most from early aggressive interventions. CONCLUSIONS: This document presents the updated risk stratification and treatment algorithm and describes the rationale for each modification. The intent of these updated recommendations is to modernize management of dyslipidemia in Indian patients with the goal of reducing the epidemic of ASCVD among Indians in Asia and worldwide.

Impact of early initiation of ezetimibe in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Scant data is available on the efficacy and safety of adding ezetimibe to high-intensity statin therapy for early and rapid reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) within 4-12 weeks of an acute-event in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We undertook this meta-analysis to address this knowledge-gap. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for RCTs involving patients with ACS receiving ezetimibe in intervention arm, and placebo/active comparator in control arm. Primary outcome was to evaluate changes in LDL-C levels post-ACS. Secondary outcomes were to evaluate alterations in other lipid parameters and adverse events. RESULTS: From initially screened 4561 articles, data from 11 studies (20,291 patients) were analyzed. Compared to controls, patients receiving ezetimibe had significantly lower LDL-C at 7-days [MD -19.55 mg/dl(95 %CI:-36.46 to -2.63);P = 0.02;I2 = 91 %], 1-month [MD-24.67 mg/dl (95 %CI:-34.59 to -14.76);P < 0.001;I2 = 81 %], 3-months [MD -18.01 mg/dl(95 %CI:-24.11 to -11.90);P < 0.001;I2 = 92 %] and 10-12 months [MD -16.90 mg/dl (95 % CI: -17.67 to -16.12); P < 0.001; I2 = 0 %] of treatment. Compared to controls, patients receiving ezetimibe had significantly lower total cholesterol at 7-days [MD-21.05 mg/dl(95 %CI:-26.73 to -15.37);P < 0.001;I2 = 0 %], 1-month [MD-25.56 mg/dl(95 %CI:-38.29 to -12.83);P < 0.001;I2 = 85 %], 3-months [MD-22.54 mg/dl(95 %CI:-36.90 to -8.19);P = 0.002;I2 = 22 %] and 12-months [MD-19.68 mg/dl(95 %CI:-20.78 to -18.59);P < 0.001;I2 = 0 %] of treatment. Death from any cause, ACS and non-fatal stroke [OR0.89(95 %CI:0.83-0.96);P = 0.002;I2 = 0 %], non-fatal myocardial infarction [OR0.86(95 %CI:0.79-0.94);P = 0.001;I2 = 0 %] and ischemic stroke [OR0.80(95 %CI:0.68-0.94);P = 0.009;I2 = 0 %] was significantly reduced in patients receiving ezetimibe. CONCLUSION: Addition of ezetimibe to high-intensity statin therapy at the time of ACS event is associated with significantly better cholesterol reduction at day-7,1-month, 3- months and 1-year of follow-up, which translates into a significantly lower recurrent cardiovascular events post an index event of ACS. CONCISE SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: Addition of ezetimibe to high-intensity statin therapy at the time of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) index event is associated with significantly better low density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol reduction at day-7, 1-month, 3-months and 1-year of follow-up, which translates into a significantly lower recurrent cardiovascular events (death from any cause, major ACS, non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke) post an index event of ACS.

Impact of early initiation of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A systematic review meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Scant data is available on the efficacy and safety of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) for early and rapid reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) within 4-8 weeks of an acute event in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We undertook this meta-analysis to address this knowledge-gap. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for RCTs involving patients with ACS receiving PCSK9i in intervention arm, and placebo/active comparator in control arm. Primary outcome was to evaluate changes in 1-month LDL-C post ACS. Secondary outcomes were to evaluate alterations in other lipid parameters and adverse events. RESULTS: From initially screened 194 articles, data from 3 studies was analyzed. After 4-weeks therapy, patients receiving PCSK9i had lower LDL-C [MD -0.95 mmol/L (95%CI:-1.51 to -0.40); P = 0.0007; I2 = 96%, total cholesterol (TC) [MD-1.05 mmol/L (95%CI:-1.83 to -0.27); P = 0.009; I2 = 94%] and triglycerides (TG) [MD-0.27 mmol/L (95%CI:-0.44 to -0.10); P = 0.002; I2 = 0%] compared to controls. After 4-8 weeks therapy, patients receiving PCSK9i has lower apolipoprotein B [MD-27.74% (95%CI:-42.59 to -12.89); P = 0.0003; I2 = 89%] as compared to controls. High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) [MD 0.05 mmol/L (95%CI:-0.00-0.11); P = 0.05; I2 = 0%], lipoprotein(a) [MD-20.63 mmol/L (95%CI:-41.86- 0.59); P = 0.06; I2 = 54%] and apolipoprotein A1 [MD 0.02 g/L (95%CI:-0.02-0.07); P = 0.32; I2 = 0%] were comparable between groups. Hospital readmission for ACS was significantly lower in group receiving PCSK9i compared to controls [OR0.25 (95%CI:0.07-0.85); P = 0.03; I2 = 0%]. Occurrence of cardiac death [OR3.75 (95%CI:0.41-34.22); P = 0.24; I2 = 0%], serious adverse events [OR0.71 (95% CI:0.13-3.83); P = 0.69; I2 = 70%] and total adverse events [OR1.01 (95%CI: 0.19-5.30); P = 0.99; I2 = 92%] was comparable between groups. CONCLUSION: PCSK9i are highly effective in early reduction of LDL-C along with reduction of early hospital readmissions post-ACS.

Efficacy and safety of luseogliflozin in improving glycaemic and non-glycaemic outcomes in type-2 diabetes: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: No meta-analysis is available analysing the role of luseogliflozin in type-2 diabetes. We undertook this meta-analysis to address this knowledge-gap. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for RCTs involving diabetes patients receiving luseogliflozin in intervention arm, and placebo/active comparator in control arm. Primary outcome was to evaluate changes in HbA1c. Secondary outcomes were to evaluate alterations in glucose, blood pressure, weight, lipids, and adverse events. RESULTS: From initially screened 151 articles, data from 10 RCTs involving 1304 patients was analysed. Individuals receiving luseogliflozin 2.5 mg/d had a significantly lower HbA1c [MD -0.76% (95% CI: 1.01 to -0.51); P < 0.01; I2 = 83%], fasting glucose [MD -26.69 mg/dl (95% CI: 35.41 to -17.96); P < 0.01; I2 = 80%], systolic blood pressure [MD -4.19 mm Hg (95% CI: 6.31 to -2.07); P < 0.01; I2 = 0%], body-weight [MD -1.61 kg (95% CI: 3.14 to -0.08); P = 0.04; I2 = 0%], triglycerides PCG [MD -12.60 mg/dl (95% CI: 24.25 to -0.95); P = 0.03; I2 = 0%], uric acid [MD -0.48 mg/dl (95% CI: 0.73 to -0.23); P < 0.01; I2 = 49%] and alanine aminotransferase [MD -4.11 IU/L (95% CI: 6.12 to -2.10); P < 0.01; I2 = 0%] compared to placebo. Occurrence of treatment-emergent adverse-events [RR 0.93 (95% CI: 0.72-1.20); P = 0.58; I2 = 0%], severe adverse-events [RR 1.19 (95% CI: 0.40-3.55); P = 0.76; I2 = 0%], hypoglycaemia [RR 1.56 (95% CI: 0.85-2.85); P = 0.15; I2 = 0%] and genital infections [RR 1.42 (95% CI: 0.48-4.18); P = 0.53; I2 = 0%] were not increased with luseogliflozin. Cardiovascular outcome trials are lacking and are urgently required. CONCLUSION: Luseogliflozin has good glycaemic and non-glycaemic benefits similar to other SGLT2 inhibitors and is well tolerated.

Performance of Fast-Acting Aspart Insulin as Compared to Aspart Insulin in Insulin Pump for Managing Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: No meta-analysis has analysed efficacy and safety of fast-acting aspart insulin (FIAsp) with insulin pump in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving T1DM patients on insulin pump receiving FIAsp in intervention arm, and placebo/active comparator insulin in control arm. Primary outcome was to evaluate changes in 1- and 2-hour post-prandial glucose (1hPPG and 2hPPG). Secondary outcomes were to evaluate alterations in percentage time with blood glucose <3.9 mmol/L (hypoglycaemia), time in range (TIR) blood glucose 3.9 to 10 mmol/L, insulin requirements and adverse events. RESULTS: Data from four RCTs involving 640 patients was analysed. FIAsp use in insulin pump was associated with significantly greater lowering of 1hPPG (mean difference [MD], -1.35 mmol/L; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.72 to -0.98; P<0.01; I2=63%) and 2hPPG (MD, -1.19 mmol/L; 95% CI, -1.38 to -1.00; P<0.01; I2=0%) as compared to controls. TIR was comparable among groups (MD, 1.06%; 95% CI, -3.84 to 5.96; P=0.67; I2=70%). Duration of blood glucose <3.9 mmol/L was lower in FIAsp group, approaching significance (MD, -0.91%; 95% CI, -1.84 to 0.03; P=0.06; I2=0%). Total hypoglycaemic episodes (risk ratio [RR], 1.35; 95% CI, 0.55 to 3.31; P=0.51; I2=0%), severe hypoglycaemia (RR, 2.26; 95% CI, 0.77 to 6.66; P=0.14), infusion site reactions (RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.63 to 2.93; P=0.77; I2=0%), and treatment-emergent adverse events (RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.80 to 1.60; P=0.50; I2=0%) were comparable. CONCLUSION: FIAsp use in insulin pump is associated with better post-prandial glycaemic control with no increased hypoglycaemia or glycaemic variability.

Unmet Need for Further LDL-C Lowering in India despite Statin Therapy: Lipid Association of India Recommendations for the Use of Bempedoic Acid.

Lipid-lowering therapy plays a crucial role in reducing adverse cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and familial hypercholesterolemia. Lifestyle interventions along with high-intensity statin therapy are the first-line management strategy followed by ezetimibe. Only about 20-30% of patients who are on maximally tolerated statins reach recommended low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals. Several factors contribute to the problem, including adherence issues, prescription of less than high-intensity statin therapy, and de-escalation of statin dosages, but in patients with very high baseline LDL-C levels, including those with familial hypercholesterolemia and those who are intolerant to statins, it is critical to expand our arsenal of LDL-C-lowering medications. Moreover, in the extreme risk group of patients with an LDL-C goal of ≤30 mg/dL according to the Lipid Association of India (LAI) risk stratification algorithm, there is a significant residual risk requiring the addition of non-statin drugs to achieve LAI recommended targets. This makes bempedoic acid a welcome addition to the existing non-statin therapies such as ezetimibe, bile acid sequestrants, and PCSK9 inhibitors. A low frequency of muscle-related side effects, minimal drug interactions, a significant reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and a lower incidence of new-onset or worsening diabetes make it a useful adjunct for LDL-C lowering. However, the CV outcomes trial results are still pending. In this LAI consensus document, we discuss the pharmacology, indications, contraindications, advantages, and evidence-based recommendations for the use of bempedoic acid in clinical practice.

Hemiazygous continuation of inferior vena cava draining into the coronary sinus via persistent left superior vena cava: a rare anomaly.

We present a case of left sided inferior vena cava with hemiazygous continuation draining into the coronary sinus via the left persistent superior vena cava. This was incidentally found in an individual referred to our centre for evaluation of palpitations. These caval anomalies are rare, and are often associated with no clinical manifestations. However, it is necessary to recognize them during routine workup to avoid diagnostic and procedural pitfalls.

Transient left ventricular dysfunction after therapeutic pericardiocentesis - Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or pericardial decompression syndrome.

We present a case of reversible left ventricular (LV) dysfunction with characteristic stress or "Takotsubo" cardiomyopathy (SCM) after therapeutic pericardiocentesis in a patient with tubercular pericardial effusion. SCM following pericardiocentesis is uncommon, as opposed to the well-defined entity, pericardial decompression syndrome (PDS). PDS is defined as a paradoxical deterioration of hemodynamics and development of severe biventricular dysfunction, cardiogenic shock, and pulmonary edema after uneventful, often large volume pericardiocentesis in patients of pericardial effusion.

Efficacy and safety of long-acting growth hormone in adult growth hormone deficiency: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: No meta-analysis has analysed efficacy and safety of long-acting growth hormone (GH) therapy in adult GH deficiency. We undertook this meta-analysis to address this gap in knowledge METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for RCTs involving adult GH deficiency patients receiving weekly long-acting GH as compared to daily GH/placebo controls. Primary outcome was to evaluate changes in body-composition parameters. Secondary outcomes were to evaluate alterations in glycaemia and adverse-events. RESULTS: Data from 5 studies involving 648 patients were analysed (4 studies having daily GH as active controls; 1 study having placebo as passive controls). Over 24-34 weeks clinical use, patients receiving long-acting GH had comparable change in lean mass [MD-0.28 kg (95%CI: 0.94 - 0.38); P = 0.41; I2 = 29% (low heterogeneity)] and fat mass [MD-0.10 kg (95%CI: 1.97-1.78); P = 0.92; I2 = 77%(considerable heterogeneity)] as compared to daily GH injections. Long-acting GH use was associated with significantly lower visceral adipose tissue [MD-1.75 cm2(95%CI: 2.14 to -1.35); P < 0.01; I2 = 0% (low heterogeneity)] and higher gynoid fat-mass [MD 0.14 kg(95%CI:0.02-0.26); P = 0.03] compared to daily GH injections. Total adverse events [Risk ratio (RR) 1.65 (95% CI: 0.83-3.29); P = 0.15; I2 = 68%] and severe adverse events [RR 0.60 (95% CI: 0.30-1.19); P = 0.14; I2 = 0%] were not significantly different in long-acting GH group compared to controls. Occurrence of headache, arthralgia, nasopharyngitis, new onset diabetes, anti-GH antibodies were comparable among groups. Long-acting GH users had significantly higher treatment adherence compared to controls [OR 4.80 (95%CI:3.58-6.02); P < 0.01; I2 = 0%]. CONCLUSION: Long-acting GH has comparable beneficial impact on body composition parameters in adult GH deficiency, is well tolerated without any increased adverse events.

Management of Dyslipidaemia for the Prevention of Stroke: Clinical Practice Recommendations from the Lipid Association of India.

Stroke is the second most common cause of death worldwide. The rates of stroke are increasing in less affluent countries predominantly because of a high prevalence of modifiable risk factors. The Lipid Association of India (LAI) has provided a risk stratification algorithm for patients with ischaemic stroke and recommended low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals for those in very high risk group and extreme risk group (category A) of <50 mg/dl (1.3 mmol/l) while the LDL-C goal for extreme risk group (category B) is ≤30 mg/dl (0.8 mmol/l). High intensity statins are the first-line lipid lowering therapy. Nonstatin therapy like ezetimibe and proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors may be added as an adjunct to statins in patients who do not achieve LDL-C goals with statins alone. In acute ischaemic stroke, high intensity statin therapy improves neurological and functional outcomes regardless of thrombolytic therapy. Although conflicting data exist regarding increased risk of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) with statin use, the overall benefit risk ratio favors long-term statin therapy necessitating detailed discussion with the patient. Patients who have statins withdrawn while being on prior statin therapy at the time of acute ischaemic stroke have worse functional outcomes and increased mortality. LAI recommends that statins be continued in such patients. In patients presenting with ICH, statins should not be started in the acute phase but should be continued in patients who are already taking statins. ICH patients, once stable, need risk stratification for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Obstructive sleep apnea and coronary artery disease: An unholy nexus or a holy alliance?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally, and hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and smoking are major cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and CAD share an exciting relationship, and recently, OSA has emerged as a non-traditional CV risk factor. OSA is characterized by episodic sleep state-dependent collapse of the upper airway, resulting in periodic reductions or cessations in ventilation, with consequent hypoxia, hypercapnia, or arousals from sleep. The oxidative stress and vascular inflammation resulting from the nocturnal hypoxia followed by reoxygenation cycles predispose the patients to the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Untreated OSA is associated with long-term health consequences, including CVD, metabolic disorders, cognitive impairment, and depression. Paradoxically, some recent studies have reported that patients with OSA may suffer less severe CAD due to the development of collateral circulation due to repetitive hypoxia experienced due to OSA.

Long term outcomes in patients with RF/RHD: Eight-year follow-up of HP-RF/RHD (Himachal Pradesh Rheumatic Fever/Rheumatic Heart Disease) registry in a Northern Indian state.

BACKGROUND: The long-term outcome data in patients with rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease (RF/RHD) is limited. We report the cumulative incidence of adverse outcomes in a cohort of RHD patients from a northern state of India at a median follow-up of 5.4 years. METHODS: 1714 patients with RF/RHD diagnosed using clinical and echocardiographic criteria were registered from 2011 to 2018, and their baseline clinical characteristics and treatment practices were recorded. Patients were followed up annually for a median of 5.4 years (range 1-8 years) for incident adverse outcomes. The cumulative incidence of adverse composite outcomes, all-cause mortality, hospitalization for heart failure, stroke, and/or peripheral embolism was estimated. The baseline clinical characteristics were explored to identify the potential risk predictors using a multivariate cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of adverse composite outcomes was 17.1% (15.3%-19.0%) at a median follow-up of 5.4 years. The predictors for the adverse composite outcomes (hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval) were age (1.03, 1.02-1.04), education status below primary level (1.60, 1.23-2.05), severe valvular heart disease (1.74, 1.36-2.23), NYHA class III/IV at enrollment (1.56, 1.18-2.07), right heart failure (4.48, 2.85-6.95), history of stroke and/or peripheral embolism (3.7, 1.5-9.2) and mitral balloon valvuloplasty (0.62, 0.40-0.96). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of adverse outcomes is substantial in patients with RF/RHD. Thus, early detection of high-risk patients and their risk management is needed to improve outcomes.

Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea among patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome in a hill state of northern India.

Background Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is one of the emerging non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Studying OSA may contribute towards a better understanding of current concepts of atherogenesis and in guiding therapy. Methods We conducted this cross-sectional study among 66 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in a tertiary care hospital from 1 January 2019 to 30 June 2020. We included patients of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)/ non-STEMI (on achieving Killip class I/II) and unstable angina and performed in-hospital overnight polysomnography (PSG) within 8 weeks of index event. Apnoea-hypoapnoea index (AHI) value 5-<15 was defined as mild OSA, AHI 15-<30 as moderate OSA and AHI >30 as severe OSA. We analysed data using Epi Info version 7.2.4 for Windows. Results The 66 patients had a mean (SD) age of 57.7 (11.1) years and 54 (81.8%) were men. Forty-three (65.1%) patients had STEMI, 19 (28.7%) had non-STEMI and 4 (6%) had unstable angina. On PSG, the prevalence of OSA (AHI>5) was 78.8% (95% CI 67.0-87.9). Of these, AHI >15 was significantly associated with diabetes, hypertension and different measures of obesity (p<0.05). Conclusions This study, conducted in a hill state of northern India, showed a high prevalence of OSA in patients with ACS. Obesity, diabetes mellitus and hypertension were significantly associated with severity of OSA (AHI>15).

Gender differences in the epidemiology of Rheumatic Fever/Rheumatic heart disease (RF/RHD) patient population of hill state of northern India; 9 years prospective hospital based, HP-RHD registry.

OBJECTIVES: We report the gender-based differences in the prevalence, severity, pattern of valvular involvement, and complications in patients with Rheumatic Fever/Rheumatic heart disease (RF/RHD). METHODS: The 2475 consecutive patients with RF/RHD diagnosed using clinical and echocardiographic criteria were registered prospectively from January 2011 till December 2019. The association of gender with the pattern of valvular involvement, nature, and severity of valvular dysfunction and cardiovascular complications was analyzed using a logistic regression model, and odds ratios with 95% CI were estimated. RESULTS: The mitral and tricuspid valve involvement was significantly lower in the male gender, odds ratio with 95% CI of 0.55 (0.44-0.61), and 0.69 (0.58-0.83) respectively, while the aortic valve was affected more frequently than females, odds ratio 1.36 (1.14-1.62). The severity of valvular disease had no significant association with gender, 0.99 (0.82-1.20). The association between gender and cardiovascular complications, heart failure, stroke, and atrial fibrillations were not statistically significant. The prevalence of RF/RHD was more than two-fold higher in female gender than male (71.4% vs. 29.6%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: RF/RHD is more prevalent in females. Gender has a significant association with the pattern of valvular involvement. The severity of valvular dysfunction and cardiovascular complications had no significant association with gender.

Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors in COVID-19: Current Concepts.

The functional receptor to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, is angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2), the same enzyme that physiologically counters the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation. Some researchers have questioned RAS inhibitors' safety in COVID-19 patients since these drugs have demonstrated an increase in ACE-2 expression in preclinical studies; therefore, they may facilitate viral invasion. On the contrary, others have hypothesized a protective role of RAS inhibitors against COVID-19-associated lung injury. Overall, the data are grossly inadequate to reach any conclusion since no human trials have yet evaluated the effects of RAS inhibitors in COVID-19. We review the current data and pathophysiological mechanisms behind this intriguing interplay between the RAS inhibitors and the COVID-19.

COVID-19 associated viral myocarditis: does it exist?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a lethal pandemic that has claimed millions of lives worldwide. While respiratory involvement is the most common and most virulent manifestation of COVID-19, there is enough data to suggest that myocardial injury reflected through elevated troponin levels is seen in around 7-28% of patients and is related with increased morbidity and mortality.

Cardiovascular comorbidities and complications associated with coronavirus disease 2019.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a devastating global pandemic and continues to overwhelm the health-care facilities and shatter the economies of countries worldwide. Although it primarily affects the lungs, it shares a strong interplay with the cardiovascular system. The presence of underlying cardiovascular disease and its risk factors (diabetes, hypertension) predispose the patients to increased severity and mortality associated with COVID-19. On the other hand, COVID-19 itself leads to various cardiovascular complications, which increase its associated morbidity and mortality in affected patients. It is, therefore, prudent to review the rapidly evolving data in this field and understand the mechanisms behind the cardiovascular involvement of this lethal disease.