Prevalence and Risk Factors of Cardiac Arrhythmia in COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have shown that cardiac arrhythmias may occur in up to 44% of patients with severe COVID-19. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias in patients with COVID-19 and their risk factors. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, we included 288 consecutive COVID-19 patients who were admitted to the emergency department. Patients with a history of old arrhythmia, including atrial fibrillation, flutter, and atrial tachycardia, were excluded. Electrocardiographic data were collected in the first 24 hours of hospitalization, and hematological biomarkers were measured. Results: Arrhythmia occurred in 23.6% of patients and 61.8% of ICU patients. Its prevalence was significantly higher in ICU patients compared to ward patients. Arrhythmias were categorized as atrial fibrillation (11.8%), ventricular tachycardia (4.2%), premature ventricular contraction (2.7%), and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (2.4%). Gender, age, and lab tests were not associated with the incidence of arrhythmia in COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: Arrhythmia was observed in 23.6% of patients with COVID-19 and in 61.8% of ICU patients with COVID-19. No risk factor was found for cardiac arrhythmia in COVID-19 patients.