COVID-19 and its impact on the cardiovascular system

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• The clinical impact of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) varies globally, with diverse cardiovascular manifestations.
• Understanding cardiac presentations and outcomes in COVID-19 patients is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review cardiac presentations, in-hospital outcomes, and cardiovascular complications in a UK cohort of COVID-19 patients.
• To identify factors associated with increased in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 498 adult COVID-19 admissions from March 7 to April 7, 2020.
• Data collection included demographics, comorbidities, in-hospital outcomes, and cardiovascular interventions.
• Statistical analysis to determine factors associated with in-hospital mortality.

Main Results:

• The cohort (mean age 67.4 years, 62.2% male) had a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (64.1%) and hypertension (53.4%).
• Acute myocardial injury occurred in 43.2% of patients, significantly increasing mortality (47.4% vs 18.4%).
• Hypertension and acute myocardial injury approximately doubled the odds of in-hospital mortality (OR 1.88 and 2.39, respectively).

Conclusions:

• Hypertension, pre-existing cardiovascular disease, and acute myocardial injury are associated with increased in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients.
• Despite high rates of cardiac complications, few patients required invasive cardiac interventions.
• These findings highlight the significant cardiovascular burden of COVID-19 and the need for targeted management strategies.