Cardiovascular sequalae in uncomplicated COVID-19 survivors

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• A significant proportion of COVID-19 patients experience cardiac involvement.
• Understanding long-term cardiac sequelae is crucial for guiding patient surveillance strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically screen COVID-19 survivors for cardiac abnormalities post-discharge.
• To assess the prevalence and nature of cardiac sequelae in individuals with previously non-severe COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Conducted cardiac screening on 97 COVID-19 survivors 1-4 weeks post-discharge.
• Utilized electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, troponin, and NT-proBNP assays.
• Performed treadmill exercise tests and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) based on initial findings.

Main Results:

• 42.3% of survivors showed cardiac abnormalities, including sinus bradycardia (29.9%) and T-wave changes (8.2%).
• Elevated troponin (6.2%) and NT-proBNP (1.0%) were observed, with 7.2% having significant sinus bradycardia.
• Advanced imaging (echocardiography, CMR) did not reveal myocarditis or infarct in cases with persistent abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac abnormalities are frequent in mild COVID-19 survivors but typically self-limiting.
• ECG and biomarker surveillance are recommended to identify severe cardiac involvement such as atrial fibrillation or left ventricular dysfunction.