Archives of cardiovascular diseases
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Arch Cardiovasc Dis · Aug 2020
ReviewRenin-angiotensin system blockers and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which is responsible for the current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as a gateway into host cells. In this review, we summarise the biology of this enzyme, which plays a key role in cardiovascular homeostasis. Blockers of the renin-angiotensin system modify the expression and activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in different ways. The effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers on the expression and enzyme activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 are reviewed, and the consequences of these treatments for the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 infection are discussed.
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Arch Cardiovasc Dis · Aug 2020
Multicenter StudyPatent foramen ovale closure in children without cardiopathy: Child-PFO study.
Closure of patent foramen ovale is well-managed in adults, but is performed less frequently in children. ⋯ Closure of patent foramen ovale in children appears to be safe and effective, as we noted a low rate of immediate complications, no delayed complications and no stroke recurrence in this indication.