Jad Abdul Khalek, Mohamad Al Hajjar, Zeina Al-Khalil, Jana Salem, Rana Zareef, Fadi Bitar, Mariam Arabi
American University of Beirut Medical Center and American University of Beirut.
Lebanon
Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology
Can J Infect Dis Med Microbiol 2026;
DOI: 10.1155/cjid/9352258
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and has had a significant impact on global health. The virus uncovered multifaceted complications across various organ systems, including the cardiovascular system. Pulmonary hypertension, often exacerbated in settings of severe or prolonged viral infections, presents unique challenges in the context of COVID-19 due to its complex pathophysiology involving vascular inflammation and thrombotic events.
Methods: This narrative review aims to delineate the emerging relationship between COVID-19 and pulmonary hypertension, focusing on pathophysiological insights, clinical implications, and evolving therapeutic strategies, enriching clinical practice and guiding future research of this complex interaction. We conducted a comprehensive literature review using databases such as MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar with keywords related to pulmonary hypertension and COVID-19, covering studies published between December 2019 and February 2025.
Results: COVID-19 has been linked to an increased incidence of pulmonary hypertension due to direct viral effects on pulmonary vasculature and secondary inflammatory responses. Clinical manifestations of pulmonary hypertension in COVID-19 include typical symptoms such as dyspnea and chest pain. Effective management strategies include the use of vasodilators, anticoagulants, and tailored experimental treatments. The review also emphasizes the importance of long-term follow-up and monitoring to evaluate disease progression and treatment response.
Conclusion: The intersection of COVID-19 and pulmonary hypertension presents a significant challenge in cardiovascular medicine, necessitating advanced diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The insights gained from the current pandemic will likely influence broader public health strategies and clinical protocols, improving outcomes for patients with pulmonary hypertension and those at risk of severe viral infections. Future research should focus on personalized medicine approaches and the development of innovative treatments to manage the unique aspects of pulmonary hypertension in the context of COVID-19.
Category
Class I. Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Infection
Review Articles Concerning Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Age Focus: Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease or Adult Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Fresh or Filed Publication: Fresh (PHresh). Less than 1-2 years since publication
Article Access
Free PDF File or Full Text Article Available Through PubMed or DOI: Yes