Clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infection in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease

• Published in: American heart journal plus Vol. 20; p. 100189
• Main Authors: Kerolos, Mina Medhat, Ruge, Max, Gill, Ahmad, Planek, Maria Isabel, Volgman, Annabelle Santos, Du-Fay-De-Lavallaz, Jeanne M., Gomez, Joanne Michelle D., Suboc, Tisha Marie, Williams, Kim A., Abusin, Salaheldin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-08-2022; Published by Elsevier Inc; Elsevier
• Subjects: 60-day outcomes; Atrial fibrillation; COVID-19; Major adverse cardiovascular events; Research Paper; Venous thromboembolism; COVID-19; 60-day outcomes; Major adverse cardiovascular events; Atrial fibrillation; Venous thromboembolism
• ISSN: 2666-6022; 2666-6022
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ahjo.2022.100189

Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease may carry a higher risk for mortality from COVID-19. This study examined the association between individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular disease admitted for COVID-19 and their clinical outcomes.
A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients admitted with COVID-19 to Rush University System for Health (RUSH) to identify cardiovascular risk factors associated with increased mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; a composite of cardiovascular death, stroke, myocardial injury, and heart failure exacerbation). Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for demographic data and comorbid conditions.
Of the 1682 patients who met inclusion criteria, the median age was 59. Patients were predominantly African American (34.4 %) and male (54.5 %). Overall, 202 (12 %) patients suffered 60-day mortality. In the multivariable model that assessed risk factors for 60-day mortality, age 60–74 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.30 [CI: 1.23–10.62]; p < 0.05) and age 75–100 (aOR 4.52 [CI: 1.46–16.15]; p < 0.05) were significant predictors when compared to those aged 19 to 39. This model also showed that those with past medical histories of atrial fibrillation (aOR 2.47 [CI: 1.38–4.38]; p < 0.01) and venous thromboembolism (aOR 2.00 [CI: 1.12–3.50]; p < 0.05) were at higher risk of 60-day mortality.
In this cohort, patients over 60 years old with a pre-existing history of atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism were at increased risk of mortality from COVID-19.