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Pre-existing atrial fibrillation is associated with increased mortality in COVID-19 Patients

Marco Zuin1, Gianluca Rigatelli2, Claudio Bilato3

  • 1Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.

Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology : an International Journal of Arrhythmias and Pacing
|April 15, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Pre-existing atrial fibrillation (AF) affects 11% of COVID-19 patients and significantly increases their risk of short-term mortality. This systematic review highlights AF as a critical factor in COVID-19 outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia with potential implications for infectious disease outcomes.
  • The specific impact of pre-existing AF on COVID-19 prognosis remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze the prevalence of pre-existing AF in COVID-19 patients.
  • To assess the association between pre-existing AF and short-term mortality risk in individuals with COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic search of MEDLINE and Scopus was conducted for studies published up to January 31, 2021.
  • Data from 12 studies involving 15,562 COVID-19 patients were analyzed using random effects models.
  • Pooled prevalence and mortality risk (odds ratio) were calculated, with heterogeneity assessed using the I² statistic.

Main Results:

  • The pooled prevalence of pre-existing AF among COVID-19 patients was 11.0% (95% CI: 7.8-15.2%).
  • Pre-existing AF was significantly associated with an increased risk of short-term mortality (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.47-3.36).
  • High statistical heterogeneity was observed for both prevalence and mortality risk.

Conclusions:

  • Pre-existing atrial fibrillation is a notable comorbidity in approximately 11% of COVID-19 cases.
  • The presence of AF independently elevates the risk of short-term mortality in patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
Abstract

Keywords:
Atrial fibrillationCOVID-19MortalityPrevalence

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