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Impaired cardiac function is associated with mortality in patients with acute COVID-19 infection
Dominik Rath1, Álvaro Petersen-Uribe1, Alban Avdiu1
1Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Otfried-Müller Str.10, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
Insights
Impaired cardiac function in COVID-19 patients, including ventricular dysfunction and tricuspid regurgitation, significantly increases mortality risk. Early cardiovascular evaluation is crucial for better COVID-19 patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- COVID-19 infection can lead to severe respiratory distress, increased morbidity, and mortality.
- Pre-existing cardiovascular disease or impaired cardiac function may worsen COVID-19 prognosis.
- This study provides a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment of early COVID-19 patients treated in Germany.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the cardiovascular status of COVID-19 patients.
- To identify cardiac predictors of mortality in COVID-19.
- To inform cardiovascular management strategies during the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Included 123 consecutive COVID-19 patients.
- Performed routine blood sampling, transthoracic echocardiography, and electrocardiography upon admission.
- Analyzed associations between cardiac function, biomarkers, and mortality.
Main Results:
- Impaired left and right ventricular function were linked to higher mortality.
- Tricuspid regurgitation greater than grade 1 was associated with increased mortality.
- Elevated troponin-I and NT-proBNP levels indicated poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac dysfunction is a significant predictor of poor prognosis in COVID-19.
- Guideline-conform cardiovascular evaluation and treatment are essential for COVID-19 patients.
- Establishing specialized Cardio-COVID-19 teams can optimize care for cardiovascular patients during the pandemic.
Background:
COVID-19 infection may cause severe respiratory distress and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Impaired cardiac function and/or pre-existing cardiovascular disease may be associated with poor prognosis. In the present study, we report a comprehensive cardiovascular characterization in the first consecutive collective of patients that was admitted and treated at the University Hospital of Tübingen, Germany.
Methods:
123 consecutive patients with COVID-19 were included. Routine blood sampling, transthoracic echocardiography and electrocardiography were performed at hospital admission.
Results:
We found that impaired left-ventricular and right-ventricular function as well as tricuspid regurgitation > grade 1 were significantly associated with higher mortality. Furthermore, elevated levels of myocardial distress markers (troponin-I and NT pro-BNP) were associated with poor prognosis in this patient collective.
Conclusion:
Impaired cardiac function is associated with poor prognosis in COVID-19 positive patients. Consequently, treatment of these patients should include careful guideline-conform cardiovascular evaluation and treatment. Thus, formation of a competent Cardio-COVID-19 team may represent a major clinical measure to optimize therapy of cardiovascular patients during this pandemic.
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