Long-Term Electrocardiographic Changes in Healthcare Workers Following Mild to Moderate Cases of Coronavirus...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Autonomic Nervous System

Background:

• Cardiovascular effects of SARS-CoV-2, including autonomic dysregulation, are increasingly recognized.
• Long-term electrocardiographic (ECG) changes after SARS-CoV-2 infection are not well understood.
• Mild infections can also lead to cardiovascular complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate long-term electrocardiographic (ECG) changes following mild to moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To characterize the persistence and nature of cardiac autonomic effects post-COVID-19.
• To assess the need for long-term ECG surveillance in recovered patients.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 151 unvaccinated healthcare workers with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Standard 12-lead ECGs recorded before infection (T0) and at 6-12 months (T1) and >12 months (T2) post-infection.
• Analysis of key ECG parameters: heart rate (HR), PR interval, QRS duration, and corrected QT interval (QTc).

Main Results:

• Transient increase in heart rate (HR) at T1, normalizing by T2.
• Mild but persistent PR interval shortening observed at T1 and T2 (p < 0.01).
• No significant changes in QRS duration or QTc; no arrhythmias or conduction blocks detected. PR shortening was more pronounced in males.

Conclusions:

• Mild SARS-CoV-2 infection can induce transient sinus tachycardia and subtle PR shortening, indicative of post-viral autonomic dysfunction.
• These ECG alterations are generally mild and resolve over time.
• Long-term ECG surveillance is likely unnecessary for asymptomatic individuals after mild COVID-19.