Cardiopulmonary pathology in
COVID-19
COVID-19 is a major cause of illness and death globally.
The disease affects multiple systems, primarily the lungs and heart.
Introduction
As of January 2025, COVID-19 has nearly 100 million documented cases
worldwide.
Most deaths occur in adult patients.
SARS-CoV-2 Virus Characteristics
SARS-CoV-2 is an 80-100 nm, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus.
Classified as a hazard group 3 organism, indicating a risk of severe disease.
Cellular Receptor
The receptor for SARS-CoV-2 is angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2).
ACE2 is found in:
Alveolar epithelial cells
Bronchial epithelium
Endothelium in normal lungs
The virus binds to ACE2 to enter cells, also affecting the heart.
Cardiopulmonary pathology in COVID-19 1
, Interaction Between SARS-CoV-2 and the
Cardiopulmonary System
ACE2 is a key receptor for SARS-CoV-2, found in various organs (lungs, heart,
kidneys).
It binds to the virus's spike protein, facilitating viral entry into cells.
ACE2 has protective cardiovascular effects by converting Angiotensin II
(AngII) to Angiotensin 1-7 (Ang1-7), reducing cardiac damage.
Interaction with the virus leads to:
Activation of ADAM17, which cleaves ACE2.
Increased soluble ACE2 (sACE2) in plasma.
Decreased cell surface ACE2, worsening cardiovascular effects.
This creates a vicious cycle that exacerbates cardiovascular issues.
Risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and smoking can:
Cardiopulmonary pathology in COVID-19 2
COVID-19
COVID-19 is a major cause of illness and death globally.
The disease affects multiple systems, primarily the lungs and heart.
Introduction
As of January 2025, COVID-19 has nearly 100 million documented cases
worldwide.
Most deaths occur in adult patients.
SARS-CoV-2 Virus Characteristics
SARS-CoV-2 is an 80-100 nm, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus.
Classified as a hazard group 3 organism, indicating a risk of severe disease.
Cellular Receptor
The receptor for SARS-CoV-2 is angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2).
ACE2 is found in:
Alveolar epithelial cells
Bronchial epithelium
Endothelium in normal lungs
The virus binds to ACE2 to enter cells, also affecting the heart.
Cardiopulmonary pathology in COVID-19 1
, Interaction Between SARS-CoV-2 and the
Cardiopulmonary System
ACE2 is a key receptor for SARS-CoV-2, found in various organs (lungs, heart,
kidneys).
It binds to the virus's spike protein, facilitating viral entry into cells.
ACE2 has protective cardiovascular effects by converting Angiotensin II
(AngII) to Angiotensin 1-7 (Ang1-7), reducing cardiac damage.
Interaction with the virus leads to:
Activation of ADAM17, which cleaves ACE2.
Increased soluble ACE2 (sACE2) in plasma.
Decreased cell surface ACE2, worsening cardiovascular effects.
This creates a vicious cycle that exacerbates cardiovascular issues.
Risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and smoking can:
Cardiopulmonary pathology in COVID-19 2
