Fig. 1.

This schematic diagram illustrates the passage of SARS-CoV-2 from the air via the nostrils and then into the pulmonary alveoli. From here, the viral particles make their way into the alveolar capillaries and into both the pulmonary and systemic circulations. SARS-CoV-2 particles from coronary arteries get into the myocardium via smaller arteries. SARS-CoV-2 particles are surrounded by inflammatory cells (monocyte/microphage, neutrophils, and lymphocytes). These pro-inflammatory cells release cytokines such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α. LV = left ventricle, RV = right ventricle