Electrocardiographic Manifestations of Hospitalized Adult Patients with Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19): UP-PGH
Felix Eduardo R Punzalan1,2, Paul Anthony O Alad1, Tam Adrian P Aya-Ay1
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila.
Insights
COVID-19 patients often show normal electrocardiograms (ECG) at baseline, but significant cardiac abnormalities like sinus tachycardia and atrial fibrillation can occur. These ECG changes in COVID-19 patients may indicate underlying cardiac injury.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is linked to cardiac injury.
- Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes are common indicators of cardiac involvement in COVID-19 patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the cardiovascular and electrocardiographic profiles of adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
- To identify common ECG abnormalities in COVID-19 patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 998 adult COVID-19 patients from June 2021 to June 2022.
- Review of clinical profiles and 12-lead ECG tracings from electronic medical records.
- Independent review of ECGs by three cardiologists with descriptive analysis.
Main Results:
- Most common comorbidities: hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia.
- Significant ECG abnormalities included sinus tachycardia (22.8%) and atrial fibrillation (11.02%).
- Ischemic findings: ST depression (2.91%), T-wave inversion (1.70%), ST elevation (2.71%).
Conclusions:
- Baseline ECGs in COVID-19 patients are often normal but can reveal significant abnormalities.
- Sinus tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and ischemic changes are frequent ECG findings.
- These ECG abnormalities in COVID-19 patients warrant clinical attention due to potential cardiac implications.
Background And Objective:
COVID-19 has been associated with cardiac injury, often detectable through electro-cardiographic (ECG) changes. This study seeks to characterize the cardiovascular and electrocardiographic profiles of adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
Methods:
This study included adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 from June 2021 to June 2022. Clinical profiles and 12-lead ECG tracings were obtained from electronic medical records and reviewed independently by three cardiologists. Descriptive analysis was performed to summarize the cardiovascular and electrocardiographic findings in this population.
Results:
The study included 998 COVID-19 patients (mean age: 50 years; 53.7% male). The most common co-morbidities were hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. A majority (31.36%) presented with severe COVID-19 infection. The most frequent significant ECG abnormalities observed at admission were sinus tachycardia (22.8%), and atrial fibrillation (11.02%). Additional ischemic findings included ST segment depression (2.91%), T-wave inversion (1.70%), and ST segment elevation (2.71%).
Conclusion:
The baseline ECG findings among COVID-19 patients were predominantly normal; however, significant abnormalities were also identified. The most frequent abnormalities included sinus tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and ischemic changes, all of which may have clinical implications.
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