The effects of the SARS-CoV-2 (corona) virus on the heart and lungs are being investigated by Erasmus MC. ‘People are increasingly talking about residual damage to the heart and lungs after someone has become infected with the coronavirus and has therefore become a COVID-19 patient. After the recovery of COVID-19, the lungs often remain affected and more research is needed on this, ‘says Erasmus.
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Respiratory system
The lungs play an important role in the coronavirus. The virus enters through the airways. The virus and subsequent immune response then damage the lungs to such an extent that serious damage to the lungs and to the heart can occur.
Blood clots
In addition, it appears that patients often form blood clots, including in the blood vessels of the lungs, which further damage both the heart and the lungs. Doctors and researchers at the Erasmus MC Thorax Center suspect that these blood clots can lead to serious and life-threatening abnormalities such as pulmonary hypertension (increased blood pressure in the lungs).
Multidisciplinary team of doctors
Within the Thorax Center, a multidisciplinary team of doctors and researchers is working on these specific problems, with the aim of developing a treatment strategy that minimizes the consequences of an infection by this virus.
Langetermijnschade
This research focuses on the prevention of long-term damage to the lung tissue and the heart. In addition, it also prevents the long-term consequences of blood clots in the lung vessels, which can lead to pulmonary hypertension, a very serious condition that can lead to heart failure.
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