Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 is a surface protein that is key to SARS-CoV-2 cell entry but is also part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which is important for normal functioning of the cardiovascular system, so likely to play a role in the cardiovascular effects of the virus.29 Numerous cardiovascular risk factors, including obesity, hypertension and diabetes, have been implicated in the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and cardiovascular complications30 and may give rise to more severe disease and increase COVID-19 associated cardiovascular complications.28 This evidence concerns the gene REN and hypertensive disorder.