Discussion
Several studies have reported venous thromboembolism (VTE) events,
mainly PE and DVT, following COVID-19. The incidence of VTE, especially
in critically ill and mechanically ventilated patients, was estimated at
25%-30%. Other thrombotic complications including stroke, acute limb
ischemia, and acute coronary syndrome have also been reported in cases
of COVID-19. The incidence rates of acute ischemic stroke and myocardial
injury in hospitalized patients have been estimated at about 5% and
20%, respectively (3).
The main role of ACE-2 is to inactivate angiotensin 2 by its proteolytic
conversion to angiotensin (1-7). The reduction in ACE-2 activity after
COVID-19 infection increases the angiotensin 2 concentration and RAAS
activity and decreases the angiotensin (1-7) concentration. Angiotensin
2 and angiotensin (1-7) are functionally opposite (Table 1), i.e. while
angiotensin (1-7) has beneficial effects (protective effects on organs
oligopeptides), angiotensin 2 has a negative and destructive effect on
the body (6).