key: cord-0925845-v5wcszqa
authors: Elgendy, Islam Y.; Pepine, Carl J.
title: Reply to “Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, sex differences, and COVID-19: The missing link”
date: 2020-11-25
journal: Int J Cardiol
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2020.11.058
sha: 8c731b0105f67ea476fbd5a1254068ea22335dba
doc_id: 925845
cord_uid: v5wcszqa

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Sex and gender are important in responses to viral infection and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Generally, more ACE2 receptors are present in CVD patients' hearts. Men are more likely to have CVD and chronic lung disease (e.g. more frequently smokers, drinkers, workers in air pollution and psychosocial/physical stressor occupations) and lower users of healthcare/prevention services. So, men are likely to be further along in COVID-19 before seeking care compared with women. Thus, gender also plays a role.

Addressing these knowledge gaps could contribute to novel approaches to modify COVID-19 among men, as well as women.

Funding: None

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