Although the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 are dominated by respiratory symptoms, cardiometabolic physiology has not escaped the wrath of this virus. There are reports that cardiometabolic complications increase the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 as well as symptom severity. For example, a recent Cochrane review of 220 studies from across the globe, reported that hypertension (46%), diabetes (22%), and ischemic heart disease (11%) are highly prevalent among those hospitalized for COVID-19 [1]. Additionally, the review reported that there has been a substantial incidence of a wide range of cardiovascular complications, including arrhythmias (9.3%), heart failure (6.8%) and thrombotic complications (7.4%). It should be acknowledged that the Cochrane review focused on patients who were hospitalized. Whether or not cardiovascular complications occur in those infected with milder COVID-19 clearly warrants further attention. Additional questions that need to be addressed with respect to COVID-19-related cardiometabolic complications include: what is the underlying pathophysiology? Which populations are at heightened risk? What are the key risk factors? And what type of data is being collected to help address such questions?

Wholesale restrictions were imposed by governments worldwide to slow the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic. Enforced lockdowns resulted in an immediate switch to remote and flexible working for billions worldwide, leading to immediate changes in lifestyle behaviors. One of the most highlighted issues is the effect of lockdowns on increased sedentary time and reduced physical activity. While recommendations for home-based exercise routines were promoted by leading health organizations [2, 3], reductions in population-level physical activity, health status and increased sedentary behavior has been observed [4]. A pertinent question and area of concern are whether activities and lifestyle behaviors enforced by the pandemic will return to pre-pandemic ‘norms’ or will the influence be sustained as part of a COVID-19 syndemic affecting population health and wellbeing?

The broadening of health inequalities has been exposed by COVID-19, especially in those from underserved populations [5]. Existing inequalities, health epidemics and social determinants of health have rendered those from underserved populations at greater risk of COVID-19 infection, long-term morbidity, and mortality [6]. Sustained periods of transmission and the subsequent impact of prolonged recovery will undoubtedly pose long term risks to those from underserved communities, who undoubtedly will require prolonged access to health care services. Whilst efforts from international governments are prioritizing restoring the socio-economic factors affected by COVID-19, we believe efforts should also prioritize and address the widening health inequalities that could lead to an increase and widening of health inequalities.

The international response to COVID-19 has been drastic and immediate to prevent sustained progression and transmission of the virus. While international collaboration has led to the development of efficacious vaccination programs and gradual easing of international restrictions, the threat of COVID-19 and the lasting impact upon health status is ever-present. Healthcare providers and researchers are developing resources and support programs for a novel virus to cater for the broad challenges being experienced by patients following a COVID-19 infection [7], but the lasting impact has yet to be determined. Cardiovascular complications are part of a complex symptom profile that will require tailored support to improve and restore functional status to pre-COVID-19 levels [8]. The challenge and longitudinal impact will undoubtedly be a feature in clinical practice for the foreseeable future and we invite colleagues to consider the specific approaches in design and delivery of bespoke interventions. We also invite discussion pertaining to the long-term adaptations that will be needed in order to support the increasing and complex patient profile.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death and the most costly in terms of health care expenditure [9]. As discussed in section 2.1, pre-existing cardiometabolic complication not only place individual at risk for worse COVID-19 outcomes, the COVID-19 virus may lead to cardiovascular complications [1]. Moving forward, it remains unclear as to what the long-term impact will be in terms of COVID-19-related cardiovascular complications, and what the impact of such complications may be on direct healthcare costs, long-term rehabilitation costs, lost work days, and productivity losses? Additionally, what are the consequences to universal healthcare? And for countries such as the United States, which has a highly privatized healthcare system, what will be the ramifications for healthcare premiums [10]?

The Covid-19 Effects on ARTErial StIffness and Vascular AgeiNg (CARTESIAN) study is a longitudinal international multicenter study investigating the long-term consequences of COVID-19 to vascular health [11]. A secondary objective of CARTESIAN is to evaluate whether the effects of COVID-19 on the vascular system are moderate by psychosocial, comorbidities, and chronic treatment. Such data will be crucial in terms of identifying which factors influence the long-term vascular complications of CVOID-19, and for directing treatment strategies. Though additional data will be needed, including with respect to prevalence and risk factors among underserved population, identifying lifestyle strategies for mitigating the long-term cardiometabolic consequences of COVID-19, and identifying the best use of public health resources. Data is needed to address these and many additional foreseeable and unforeseeable questions. Our hope is that research teams will details the types of data they are using, pre-existing questions being tackled with their data, and their policy for sharing data.

Across the globe, Goliath-esque challenges are being presented to public health agencies. These agencies will have a crucial role to play long following the ablation of COVID-19 restrictions. Considering the widespread consequences of this [hopefully] once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, what types of policy should be implemented to ensure these agencies are best positioned to be proactive with foreseeable challenges and to react to unforeseen challenges? Which segments of the population should be primarily targeted? What forms of education are required to ensure the public is amenable to booster shots? Who should pay for booster shots?