Cardiovascular risk factors of poor prognosis in COVID-19 – a review

Since the first report in 2019, COVID-19 has claimed many lives, even those previously in good health. Therefore, a proper diagnosis and identification of patients at the highest risk of serious complications is vital. In fact, COVID-19 can lead to systemic inflammation and multiorgan dysfunction. Apart from the respiratory system, the circulatory system is also affected, including numerous complications due to the cytokine storm, direct cytotoxic effects, downregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, and low oxygen blood levels. In this review, we discussed cardiovascular risk factors associated with a poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients, including pre-existing risk factors or those acquired in the course of the infection. We also analyzed the role of biomarkers, ECG, and imaging in the identification of patients at the highest risk of unfavorable outcomes, as even subtle abnormalities in additional tests may have a significant impact on disease management.

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Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Apples Enriched-Dark Chocolate on Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Patients with Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox8040088 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 88 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Francesca Felice ◽

Alessandra Francini ◽

Valentina Domenici ◽

Mario Cifelli ◽

Ester Belardinelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Olive Oil ◽

Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽

Progenitor Cells ◽

Endothelial Progenitor Cells ◽

Virgin Olive Oil ◽

Extra Virgin Olive Oil ◽

Dark Chocolate ◽

Blood Levels

Background: Endothelial dysfunction has been associated to cardiovascular outcomes in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important physiological role for their reparative potential of vascular integrity, but are numerically reduced and functionally impaired in patients with cardiovascular risks. This study assesses the effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and apple-enriched dark chocolate intake on the blood levels of EPCs. Methods: Thirty volunteers with cardiovascular risk factors, enrolled in a randomised, crossover, four-weeks trial, received a solid dark chocolate bar (40 g/day) containing 10% EVOO or 2.5% dry apples. Urine samples were analyzed for endogenous metabolites. Circulating EPCs levels, clinical data and anthropometric examinations were collected. Results: 26 volunteers (M/F:14/12, 51 ± 9 years of age) completed the study. Comparison of pre-post intervention revealed a significant increase in EPCs levels associated with EVOO-dark chocolate consumption. Most biochemical parameters were not significantly modified by both chocolates. Conclusions: This study shows that a daily consumption of a non fattening dose of dark chocolate enriched with EVOO improves blood levels of EPCs, a well known surrogate biologic marker for endothelial function.

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