Evaluation of postacute cardiac complications in patients with COVID-19

BACKGROUND: The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the heart and blood vessels can result in high mortality rates initially and long-term health complications. These issues have a significant and detrimental effect on the overall well-being and health of individuals who are affected. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and type of postacute cardiac complications in patients with and without COVID-19.METHODS: This is a retrospective study involving 401 patients admitted to the Service of Infectious Diseases at University Medical Center of Tirana Mother Teresa, in Tirana, Albania, during the period from January to April 2021. For each patient, data were collected on COVID-19 status, comorbidities and previous cardiovascular events. The study describes postacute cardiac complications: myocardial infarction (MI), arrhythmia, right ventricular dysfunction, pericardial effusion, and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 65.5 (±10.6) years of whom 77 (38.3%) were female and 124 (61.7%) were male. One hundred sixty-six (41.4%) of them had a history of COVID-19. The incidence of postacute cardiac complications in COVID-19 patients was 56 (48.3%). The incidence of postacute cardiac complications in COVID-19 patients (49.4%) was significantly higher compared to non-COVID-19 patients, (20%) (P