The family of the late vlogger Lloyd Cadena, 26, has revealed that the YouTube star had recently tested positive for the coronavirus.

As a result, the Filipino comedian passed away due to a heart attack precipitated by the virus, according to a post on Cadena’s social media accounts.

“On September 4, at 5 a.m. he was seen by the staff unresponsive and pale looking. As informed by the doctor, he suffered a heart attack while asleep,” his family wrote on Cadena’s Facebook, which is followed by over 7 million accounts.

“There are simply no words to express our heartfelt thanks for the prayers and sympathy you have extended to our family during this time of loss,” his family wrote.

Cadena was cremated on Saturday, just a few days before his 27th birthday.

“All expressions of sympathy, including flowers and cards are welcome. You may send them at Immaculate Conception Chapel – Kaingin,” in Manila, they added.

Affectionately dubbed “Kween LC,” Cadena launched his YouTube channel in 2011, and had since grown to entertain more than 5.5 million fans. He was one of the Philippines most renowned entertainers.

Doctors have only recently begun to understand the longterm health effects of COVID-19, including its impact on the heart. Recent studies have found that some recovered patients have continued to show signs of heart damage for weeks, even months, after the illness subsides, due to widespread inflammation and cell damage. Even mild cases of Covid-19 could bring on myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), which impairs the heart’s muscle and can lead to heart failure, doctors have said.

Those who have been infected with the coronavirus in the past should closely monitor symptoms also associated with heart health, including increased fatigue, difficulty breathing, swelling and chest pain.