While researchers and physicians on the front lines gather more data on the virus and the disease, new complications are starting to come into focus—specifically involving the heart. 

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Matters of the heart 

Last month, in Italy, officials had stated that of the 355 people who had died as of March 17, more than 75% had hypertension and 33% had heart disease. Infections are typically difficult to treat in people who have underlying health conditions, but SARS-CoV-2 may be particularly dangerous for such individuals.

The virus attaches to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is found in the cells of the lungs. This allows the virus to invade and cause respiratory illness.