The heart and SARS-CoV-2

SARS-CoV-2 is currently causing a persistent COVID-19 pandemic, which poses a risk of causing long-term cardiovascular sequels in the population. The viral mechanism of cell infection through the angiotensin 2 converter enzyme receptor and the limited antiviral innate immune response are the suspected causes for a more frequent cardiovascular damage in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Knowledge of the appearance during acute infection of other cardiac conditions beyond the classical myocarditis and pericarditis, the long-term cardiac manifestations (persistent COVID-19), and the increased incidence of myocarditis and pericarditis after vaccination is of special interest in order to offer our patients best practices based on current scientific evidence.