Document Type

Abstract

Publication Title

Journal of the American College of Cardiology

Abstract

Background

Myocarditis and other adverse cardiac events after COVID-19 infection are well documented in literature, however, less has been published about the effects of SARS-CoV2 on the cardiac conduction system. This study aimed to determine if a correlation exists between new-onset arrhythmias and COVID-19 infection in hospitalized patients.

Methods

Data was collected for all patients who tested positive for COVID-19 from the beginning of the pandemic to the end of December 2021. Each chart was reviewed for new onset arrhythmias, determined by either formal diagnoses or EKG findings. Patient history and outpatient records were reviewed to ensure there was no previous documentation of arrhythmia.

Results

A total of 1786 patients were included, with a total of 349 incident arrhythmias identified in 315 (17.6%) patients (table 1). Atrial fibrillation comprised the largest portion of arrhythmias (43.0%), followed by sinus bradycardia (22.3%).

Conclusion

Nearly 1 in 5 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 requiring hospitalization developed a new onset arrhythmia. With almost 100 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection in the United States, the treatment required for new onset arrhythmias, including long term sequelae such as embolic strokes, is expected to negatively affect patient's quality of life and increase healthcare costs.

DOI

10.1016/S0735-1097(23)00548-X

Publication Date

3-7-2023

ISSN

1558-3597

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