ISSN: 2578-4838
Authors: Mohammad NK*, Ashok K and Mohammad R
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has led to a surge in research examining its long-term health consequences. Among these sequelae, cardiovascular complications have emerged as significant concerns, particularly in individuals with pre-existing or post-infection hyperglycemia. This review aims to explore the association between hyperglycemia and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the post-acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A systematic search of electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar was conducted to identify relevant studies published between January 2020 and March 2024. Keywords included "hyperglycemia," "cardiovascular disease," "SARS-CoV-2," "COVID-19," "post-acute sequelae," and variations thereof. Studies focusing on the association between hyperglycemia and CVD in the context of post-acute SARS-CoV-2 infection were included. Hyperglycemia, both pre-existing and as a consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular complications in the post-acute phase. Mechanistically, hyperglycemia contributes to endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia, all of which are implicated in the pathogenesis of CVD. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 infection exacerbates these pathways, further predisposing individuals to CVD. The association between hyperglycemia and CVD in the post-acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection underscores the importance of glycemic control in mitigating long-term cardiovascular complications. Healthcare providers should prioritize screening for hyperglycemia in COVID-19 survivors and implement interventions aimed at managing blood glucose levels to reduce the burden of CVD in this population. Future research should focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms linking hyperglycemia and CVD post-SARS-CoV-2 infection and evaluating the efficacy of targeted interventions in preventing cardiovascular sequelae.
Keywords: Hyperglycemia; Cardiovascular disease; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Post-acute sequelae; Long COVID; Glycemic control; Endothelial dysfunction; Oxidative stress Inflammation
