According to a study presented at the annual Biophysical Society Meeting in San Diego, California, on February 20, COVID-19 infection can result in changes in calcium channels, which can affect the heartbeat and trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in the heart cells.

In the study, researchers from Columbia University observed an increase in oxidative stress, inflammation signals, and calcium alterations in the heart tissue of the patient who tested positive for COVID-19. They also discovered negative alterations in the RyR2 protein, which controls the calcium ion levels in the heart.

Like all muscle cells, the heart muscle requires calcium ions to contract. The coordinated contractions of the hearts atria and ventricles that pump blood throughout the body depend on the calcium ion management system.

For the study, they used a study model infected with COVID-19 infection. In the tested model, they noticed alterations in the heart tissue, such as immune cell infiltration, injury-related collagen deposition, heart cell death, and blood clots.

Based on the results of the study, Dr. Andrew Marks, a cardiologist and biophysics professor at Columbia University, suggested that medical professionals should be alert to and on the lookout for any cardiac abnormalities associated with COVID-19 infections.

He added that understanding molecular alterations can help in developing new therapeutic targets that can alleviate COVID-19-related heart symptoms and aid medical practitioners in more accurately diagnosing and treating these conditions. 

(Source: https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/what-happens-to-your-heart-when-covid-19-enters-complete-picture-revealed-954983/ )