COVID-19 disease is associated with a high inflammatory load that can induce vascular inflammation, myocarditis, and cardiac arrhythmias. Mortality from COVID-19  disease in 2019 is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension. These disorders share the underlying pathophysiology related to the renin-angiotensin system (SARS). Cardiovascular disease and SARS pharmacological inhibition increase ACE2 levels, which can increase coronavirus virulence in the lung and heart. On the other hand, there is evidence that coronavirus infection can decrease ACE2, leading to toxic over-accumulation of angiotensin II, which induces acute respiratory distress syndrome and fulminant myocarditis. In addition, there is scientific evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can bind chemically to the heme group of hemoglobin and thus cause the release of iron ions (Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺) that can damage tissues, including the lungs and heart. Another important information is that the heme group is produced by mitochondria and, in this case, the oral or intramuscular use of Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) is strongly recommended, as it stimulates the increase in mitochondrial production. Therefore, the use of chelators of iron ions is notorious, as well as the administration of Coenzyme Q10 as a treatment for patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.

 

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2. Cardiovascular diseases. Heme group. Iron ions. Mitochondrial production.