ECG CHANGES IN PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 – A RETROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN CHENNAI

Abstract

Background:A global outbreak of corona virus disease, caused by severe respiratory corona virus 2, has emerged since December 2019. However electrocardiographic manifestations of patients with COVID-19 have not been fully described. We aim to investigate ECG characteristics in COVID-19 patients and risk factors of ICU admission Methods:This retrospective observational study included the patients with COVID-19 at the Government Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai between June 1st and 31st, 2020. Demographic, clinical and ECG characteristics were collected and comparison were made between ICU and non ICU admission groups. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors of ICU admission Results:Among the 159 patients included ST-T abnormalities were the most common ECG feature followed by arrhythmias. Compared with non ICU group, the ICU group showed higher heart rate and P wave duration and was more frequently associated with CVD, ST-T abnormalities, arrythmias, QTc prolongation and pathological Q waves. ST-T abnormalities and history of CVD were associated with increased risk of ICU admission Conclusion:COVID-19 is frequently related to cardiovascular manifestations including ECG abnormalities and cardiovascular comorbidities. ST-T abnormalities and CVD at admission were associated with increased odds of ICU admission