COURSE OF POST COVID-19 DISEASE IN HEART FAILURE PATIENTS WITH MODERATELY REDUCED LEFT VENTRICULAR EJECTION FRACTION

I Rudyk1, D Babichev1, O Medentseva1

  • 1Government Institution "L.T. Malaya Therapy National Institute of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine", Kharkiv, Ukraine.

PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 significantly worsens heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF). Patients with a history of COVID-19 showed elevated NT-proBNP, uric acid, and poorer quality of life, indicating lasting cardiac impact.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Biomarkers

Background:

  • Heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) is a significant cardiovascular condition.
  • The long-term effects of COVID-19 on cardiovascular health, particularly in HFmrEF patients, require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of COVID-19 on the course of HFmrEF.
  • To identify specific biomarkers and clinical indicators affected by concurrent COVID-19 infection in HFmrEF patients.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study involving 72 HFmrEF patients and 18 healthy controls.
  • Biomarker analysis (furin, NT-proBNP, uric acid), quality of life questionnaires (EQ-5D-5L), and cardiac ultrasound were employed.
  • HFmrEF patients were subgrouped based on COVID-19 history.

Main Results:

  • Patients with a history of COVID-19 exhibited significantly higher NT-proBNP levels (1002.79±215.94 pg/ml vs. 405.37±99.06 pg/ml) and uric acid (429.08±27.01 mmol/l vs. 354.44±28.75 mmol/l).
  • A lower furin to NT-proBNP ratio (0.87±0.26 vs. 1.38±1.16) and reduced quality of life scores (64.21±3.04 vs. 72.81±1.82) were observed in the COVID-19 positive group.
  • Increased left ventricular mass index (LVMMi) and atrial dimensions (LA, RA) were noted in HFmrEF patients with prior COVID-19.

Conclusions:

  • Coronavirus infection exacerbates HFmrEF, leading to intracardiac hemodynamic disorders and persistent negative structural heart changes.
  • The furin to NT-proBNP ratio may serve as a predictor for the impact of HF syndrome on patients' quality of life.
  • COVID-19 poses a significant threat to the cardiovascular health of HFmrEF patients, necessitating targeted monitoring and management strategies.

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