Less Myocardial Infarction and Stroke Hospitalizations During Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Epidemic in Korea

Viral infections are known to impact coronary disease, and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may be triggered by the inflammatory cytokine response to infection.1,2 Cytokines promote local inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary artery, which can lead to plaque destabilization, rupture, and eventually AMI development. Psychological adversity, depression, stress at home or work, social isolation and loneliness are also known factors contributing to acute vascular event.3 Recent outbreaks of coronavirus (CoV), including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) have been associated with a rise in patients presenting with cardiovascular complications in several countries.

Source: The American Journal of Cardiology - July 2, 2020 Category: Cardiology Authors: Cai De Jin, Moo Hyun Kim, Kwang Min Lee, Jong Sung Park, Dong Sik Jung, Sung-Cheol Yun, Victor Serebruany Source Type: research