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Cardiac arrhythmias in patients with COVID-19

Yueying Wang1, Zhaojia Wang1, Gary Tse1

  • 1Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease Department of Cardiology Tianjin Institute of Cardiology Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University Tianjin People's Republic of China.

Journal of Arrhythmia
|October 7, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac arrhythmias are a significant complication of COVID-19, impacting heart function and increasing adverse outcomes. Understanding these arrhythmias and their mechanisms is crucial for effective patient management and treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents a global health challenge.
  • While primarily respiratory, SARS-CoV-2 can cause cardiac injury, a predictor of adverse outcomes.
  • Cardiac arrhythmias are common in severe COVID-19 cases, contributing to poor prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review cardiac arrhythmias in COVID-19 patients.
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of COVID-19-associated arrhythmias.
  • To discuss preventive and therapeutic strategies for these arrhythmias.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on COVID-19 and cardiac arrhythmias.
  • Analysis of mechanisms involving ion channel dysfunction and calcium handling.
  • Evaluation of drug-induced pro-arrhythmic effects.

Main Results:

  • COVID-19 affects ion channels, altering cardiac conduction, repolarization, and calcium handling, leading to arrhythmogenesis.
  • Certain COVID-19 therapeutics (e.g., hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin) may prolong QT interval and increase arrhythmia risk.
  • Continuous ECG monitoring and prompt arrhythmia recognition are vital.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiac arrhythmias are a major complication of COVID-19, driven by viral effects on cardiac electrophysiology.
  • Potential pro-arrhythmic effects of certain medications necessitate careful monitoring.
  • Further research into prevention and treatment of COVID-19-related arrhythmias is warranted.

Keywords:
COVID‐19QT intervalSARS‐CoV‐2angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2arrhythmiaelectrocardiogram

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