THE CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF THE 2019 SPREAD OF SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) IN LATIN COMMUNITIES

Abstract

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the worldwide spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of cardiac injury and vascular dysfunction in positive COVID-19 patients is concerning due to the potential long-term cardiovascular effects of the infection. This is especially concerning in the Latino community due to higher infection and death rates of COVID-19. Understanding the pathophysiology of the infection, how the immune system attacks the virus as well as the cardiovascular system involvement, it is clear that comorbidities intensify the severity of the disease and may lead to hypertension, myocarditis, heart failure, and arrythmias, among others. For Latin communities, preexisting medical conditions and the lack of access to appropriate healthcare are the main reasons for the disproportionate disparities since Latinos have a high incidence of cardiovascular disease as well as many not having health insurance. Due to the fact that the pandemic is ongoing, it’s impossible to really understand the long-term effects of COVID-19, on any population. However, understanding the mechanisms (as we know them currently) can help with education and health choices, for the general population, and Latin communities in particular.