An overactive immune response releases massive amounts of inflammatory proteins (cytokines) that can damage heart tissue and lead to acute heart failure .
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). How COVID-19 can impact the heart - Mr Validity
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 An overactive immune response releases massive amounts of
COVID-19 causes endotheliitis (inflammation of the blood vessel lining), which triggers a hypercoagulable state. This can lead to small or large blood clots , resulting in heart attacks or strokes even in young, healthy patients. The Long Aftershock: "Mr. Validity" and Post-COVID Life Recent studies, such as the Mount Sinai PET/MRI