Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 28, 2025

Microelectrode Array Recording of Sinoatrial Node Firing Rate to Identify Intrinsic Cardiac Pacemaking Defects in Mice
09:20

Microelectrode Array Recording of Sinoatrial Node Firing Rate to Identify Intrinsic Cardiac Pacemaking Defects in Mice

Published on: July 5, 2021

3.3K

Arrhythmogenesis and COVID-19

John N Varkey1, William H Frishman2

  • 1From the Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY.

Cardiology in Review
|July 15, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant cardiac issues, including arrhythmias. This review explores the link between coronavirus disease 2019 and heart rhythm disorders, examining potential arrhythmogenesis mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has led to widespread health issues globally.
  • Cardiac complications, such as myocardial infarction, myocarditis, and arrhythmias, are recognized consequences of COVID-19 infection.
  • Understanding the cardiac sequelae of COVID-19 is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing literature on the association between COVID-19 and cardiac arrhythmias.
  • To explore potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying COVID-19-related arrhythmogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature search of scientific databases.
  • Review and synthesis of studies investigating cardiac arrhythmias in COVID-19 patients.
  • Analysis of proposed mechanisms for arrhythmia development in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Results:

  • COVID-19 is frequently associated with various cardiac arrhythmias.
  • Potential mechanisms include direct viral effects on cardiac cells, systemic inflammation, and immune responses.
  • Hypoxia and electrolyte imbalances secondary to severe COVID-19 may also contribute.

Conclusions:

  • COVID-19 poses a significant risk for developing cardiac arrhythmias.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis in COVID-19.
  • Understanding these mechanisms can inform clinical strategies for preventing and managing cardiac complications.

More Related Videos

High-Resolution Endocardial and Epicardial Optical Mapping in a Sheep Model of Stretch-Induced Atrial Fibrillation09:17

High-Resolution Endocardial and Epicardial Optical Mapping in a Sheep Model of Stretch-Induced Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: July 29, 2011

15.0K
Rat Model of Right-Sided Cardiac Remodeling and Arrhythmia Using Pulmonary Artery Banding10:39

Rat Model of Right-Sided Cardiac Remodeling and Arrhythmia Using Pulmonary Artery Banding

Published on: August 30, 2024

947

Related Concept Videos

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
1.7K
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
216
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias01:28

Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.
1.4K
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias01:29

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per...
202
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias01:18

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
247
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias01:16

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that lead to abnormal heartbeats. These irregularities can originate from different parts of the heart and are classified based on their origin and nature.
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism,...
506