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COVID-19 associated atrial fibrillation: Incidence, putative mechanisms and potential clinical implications

Monika Gawałko1,2, Agnieszka Kapłon-Cieślicka1, Mathias Hohl3

  • 11st Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.

International Journal of Cardiology. Heart & Vasculature
|September 9, 2020
PubMed

Insights

This review examines the link between COVID-19 and atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common heart arrhythmia. It explores AF prevalence in SARS-CoV-2 patients and discusses management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a global pandemic.
  • Cardiovascular complications are increasingly recognized in COVID-19 patients.
  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent clinical arrhythmia, but its relationship with COVID-19 is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current evidence on the prevalence and incidence of AF in patients with COVID-19.
  • To discuss the clinical management of AF in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • To explore potential therapeutic strategies for managing AF in COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of studies investigating AF in COVID-19 patients.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data on AF prevalence and incidence.
  • Discussion of clinical guidelines and emerging treatment options.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests a potential association between COVID-19 and an increased risk of AF.
  • Management of AF in COVID-19 patients requires careful consideration of anticoagulation and antiarrhythmic therapies.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying AF in COVID-19 and optimize treatment.

Conclusions:

  • COVID-19 may influence the occurrence and management of atrial fibrillation.
  • Integrated care approaches are essential for patients with both conditions.
  • Understanding the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and AF is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Keywords:
AnticoagulationArrhythmiaInflammasomeRemote monitoringThromboembolic risk

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