Vascular Thromboembolism is a Grave Complication of COVID-19

There is ample evidence that the coronavirus can cause fatal blood clots. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors act as a gateway for the coronavirus to enter the body and facilitate infection. ACE2 receptors are scientifically linked to disease severity in smokers because nicotine is thought to affect ACE2 expression in different ways. Patients admitted with severe COVID-19 infection with high levels of factor V Leiden are prone to serious damage from blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Damage to the vascular endothelium is a complication that can be caused by the coronavirus. It can cause vascular clots, in the formation of which factors such as age, sex, blood type, and underlying diseases are effective. Thrombotic events, especially venous thrombosis, following COVID-19 infection have already been described; nonetheless, data are scarce on arterial thrombosis. Herein we report 4 cases of COVID-19 infection complicated by arterial thrombosis. (Iranian Heart Journal 2022; 23(1): 223-227)