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New‐onset atrial arrhythmias associated with mortality in black and white patients hospitalized with COVID‐19
Author(s) -
Dagher Lilas,
Shi Hanyuan,
Zhao Yan,
Wetherbie Andrew,
Johnsen Erik,
Sangani Deep,
Nedunchezhian Saihariharan,
Brown Margo,
Miller Peter,
Denson Joshua,
Schieffelin John,
Marrouche Nassir
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
pacing and clinical electrophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.686
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1540-8159
pISSN - 0147-8389
DOI - 10.1111/pace.14226
Subject(s) - medicine , incidence (geometry) , intensive care unit , covid-19 , atrial fibrillation , cardiology , diabetes mellitus , mechanical ventilation , disease , physics , infectious disease (medical specialty) , optics , endocrinology
Abstract Background Specific details about cardiovascular complications, especially arrhythmias, related to the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID‐19) are not well described. Objective We sought to evaluate the incidence and predictive factors of cardiovascular complications and new‐onset arrhythmias in Black and White hospitalized COVID‐19 patients and determine the impact of new‐onset arrhythmia on outcomes. Methods We collected and analyzed baseline demographic and clinical data from COVID‐19 patients hospitalized at the Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, between March 1 and May 1, 2020. Results Among 310 hospitalized COVID‐19 patients, the mean age was 61.4 ± 16.5 years, with 58,7% females, and 67% Black patients. Black patients were more likely to be younger, have diabetes and obesity. The incidence of cardiac complications was 20%, with 9% of patients having new‐onset arrhythmia. There was no significant difference in cardiovascular outcomes between Black and White patients. A multivariate analysis determined age ≥60 years to be a predictor of new‐onset arrhythmia (OR = 7.36, 95% CI [1.95;27.76], p = .003). D‐dimer levels positively correlated with cardiac and new‐onset arrhythmic event. New onset atrial arrhythmias predicted in‐hospital mortality (OR = 2.99 95% CI [1.35;6.63], p = .007), a longer intensive care unit length of stay (mean of 6.14 days, 95% CI [2.51;9.77], p = .001) and mechanical ventilation duration(mean of 9.08 days, 95% CI [3.75;14.40], p = .001). Conclusion Our results indicate that new onset atrial arrhythmias are commonly encountered in COVID‐19 patients and can predict in‐hospital mortality. Early elevation in D‐dimer in COVID‐19 patients is a significant predictor of new onset arrhythmias. Our finding suggest continuous rhythm monitoring should be adopted in this patient population during hospitalization to better risk stratify hospitalized patients and prompt earlier intervention.