The virus uses the ACE2 receptor as a "lock" to enter cells; because the heart is rich in these receptors, the virus can directly invade and cause myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle).
An overactive immune response releases massive amounts of inflammatory proteins (cytokines) that can damage heart tissue and lead to acute heart failure . How COVID-19 can impact the heart - Mr Validity
The story of COVID-19's impact on the heart is a tale of two phases: an acute "stress test" followed by a potentially long "aftershock". While primarily known for attacking the lungs, the virus frequently targets the cardiovascular system, leading doctors to redefine it as a in its own right. The Acute Crisis: "The Great Stress Test" The virus uses the ACE2 receptor as a
For many, the infection acts as a massive metabolic strain on the heart muscle. Even if the virus doesn't directly infect heart cells, it causes systemic damage through several critical pathways: While primarily known for attacking the lungs, the
The story often continues long after the fever breaks. Recent studies, such as the Mount Sinai PET/MRI study , show that 57% of "recovered" patients with lingering symptoms had evidence of persistent heart or lung inflammation up to a year later. COVID-19's consequences for the heart - Harvard Gazette