COVID-19 AND Cardiovascular Diseases — Interaction, Clinical Course, Outcomes, and Prognosis

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, binds to the ACE2 receptor, affecting multiple organs, including the cardiovascular system. Arterial hypertension is one of the most common and significant comorbidities, increasing the risk of severe disease progression and mortality. AIM: The aim of this article is to analyze the interaction between COVID-19 and the cardiovascular system, with a focus on the role of arterial hypertension, the impact of ACE inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and the cardiovascular complications observed in COVID-19 patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review of current literature and clinical observations related to cardiovas-cular involvement in COVID-19 was conducted, with emphasis on comorbid hypertension, pharmacological management, and the nature of cardiac complications reported during the pandemic. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Early concerns that ACEi and ARBs might worsen COVID-19 outcomes were not confirmed; instead, these medications are now considered safe and potentially protective. COVID-19 has been frequently associated with cardiovascular complications such as myocardial infarction, myocarditis, arrhyth-mias, and thromboembolism. Notably, some cardiac injuries occur in the absence of typical coronary artery obstruction, suggesting direct viral or immune-mediated damage. Furthermore, many patients delayed seek-ing care for acute cardiac events due to fear of infection, leading to worse clinical outcomes. Elderly patients with preexisting cardiovascular conditions remain at the highest risk. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases have a mutually deleterious relationship. Arterial hy-pertension is a major and significant risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes. Maintaining good blood pres-sure control and continuing prescribed cardiovascular therapies during COVID-19 infection are essential for improving recovery and reducing the risk of fatal outcomes.