COVID-19 as an Aggravator of Cardiovascular Diseases: Increasing Immunoglobulin G, a Valuable Prognostic Factor for Heart Failure

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 might worsen preexisting cardiac conditions and cause new heart failure (HF). To appropriately triage and treat patients, an early diagnosis is necessary. Objectives: This study assessed the levels of antibodies immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) required for the coronavirus spike S protein in the serum of individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) who developed HF complications from COVID-19. Methods: A total of 104 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 were equally divided into severe COVID-19 cases with new HF evidence and controls. The levels of IgG and IgM antibodies vs SARS-CoV-2 were measured. The possible correlation of antibody levels with underlying cardiac risk factors was also investigated. Results: It was found that 86% of HF patients and 5% of controls had an IgG level greater than 100 AU/mL (P < 0.05). Ischemic heart disease (IHD) was the most common disease in the patient group, and the highest level of antibodies was also found in this group. Conclusions: Increasing IgG during COVID-19 can be one of the signs of worsening heart disease, which is more prevalent in patients with an underlying IHD and hypertension.