Frequent Cardiovascular Manifestations Associated With SARS Cov-2 Infection: Experience at a Tertiary Hospital In Cali, Colombia

Abstract Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mainly affects the respiratory system, while the most common extrapulmonary complication of COVID-19 is cardiovascular involvement. Objective: To identify the frequency of electrocardiographic changes and cardiac arrhythmias in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, including patients aged >18 years with diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in a high-complexity hospital in Santiago de Cali, Colombia, from March to September 2020. A descriptive analysis with an analytical component and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed; all estimates were established with a 95% confidence level (CI) and a 5% significance level. Results: This study included 183 individuals; of whom 160 were considered for electrocardiographic analysis, 63% of which evidenced significant findings, the most frequent being sinus tachycardia (29.4%). The frequency of myocardial injury was 21.9% and was more common among non-survivors than among survivors (41.7% vs. 12.2%, p < 0.001). Myocardial injury was also significantly more common in patients who presented electrocardiographic findings than those who did not (26.5% vs. 12.1%, p = 0.032) and in those who required intensive care admission (31.8% vs 10.5%, p < 0.001). The strongest mortality-associated factor was the need for mechanical ventilation — odds ratio (OR), 9.14; 95% confidence interval, 3.4-24.5. Conclusions: Electrocardiographic findings in patients with COVID 19 are frequent, including newly diagnosed arrhythmias, justifying the use of cost-effective tools for the initial approach and follow-up of this affected population. Worse outcomes depend on factors such as invasive mechanical ventilation, comorbidities, age, and superinfection.

Parada cardiorrespiratória após infarto agudo do miocárdio por vasoespasmo coronariano. Relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Cardiorespiratory arrest after acute myocardial infarction due to coronary vasospasm. Case report and literature review

A angina vasoespástica é uma causa incomum de parada cardíaca e arritmias ventriculares. No entanto, os sobreviventes dessas complicações têm um risco aumentado de recorrência, apesar da função ventricular normal e do tratamento médico otimizado. Descrevemos o caso de uma ex-tabagista de 50 anos que teve parada cardiorrespiratória secundária a vasoespasmo coronariano grave.

Vasospastic angina is an uncommon cause of cardiac arrest and ventricular arrhythmias. However, survivors of these complications are at an increased risk of recurrence, despite normal ventricular function and optimized medical therapy. We describe a case of a 50-year-old former smoker who developed cardiorespiratory arrest secondary to severe coronary vasospasm.

Fibrilação Atrial e Sepse em Pacientes Idosos e sua Associação com Mortalidade Intra-hospitalar / Atrial Fibrillation and Sepsis in Elderly Patients and Their Associaton with In-Hospital Mortality

Resumo Fundamento A fibrilação atrial (FA) acomete cerca de 2% a 4% da população mundial. Nos pacientes internados em unidades de terapia intensiva, esta incidência pode chegar em até 23% naqueles com choque séptico. O impacto da FA nos pacientes sépticos se reflete em piores desfechos clínicos e o reconhecimento dos fatores desencadeantes pode ser alvo para estratégias de tratamento e prevenção futuras. Objetivos Verificar a relação entre desenvolvimento de FA e mortalidade nos pacientes acima de 80 anos incluídos no protocolo sepse e identificar fatores de risco que contribuam para o desenvolvimento de FA nesta população. Métodos Estudo observacional retrospectivo, com revisão de prontuários eletrônicos e inclusão de 895 pacientes com 80 anos ou mais, incluídos no protocolo sepse de um hospital privado de alta complexidade em São Paulo/SP, no período de janeiro de 2018 a dezembro de 2020. Todos os testes foram realizados com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados A incidência de FA na amostra foi de 13%. Após análise multivariada por regressão logística múltipla, foi possível demonstrar associação de mortalidade na população estudada, com o escore SOFA ( odds ratio [OR] 1,21 [1,09 - 1,35]), valores mais altos de proteína C-reativa (OR 1,04 [1,01 - 1,06]), necessidade de droga vasoativa (OR 2,4 [1,38 - 4,18]), uso de ventilação mecânica (OR 3,49 [1,82 - 6,71]) e principalmente FA (OR 3,7 [2,16 - 6,31). Conclusões No paciente grande idoso (80 anos ou mais) com sepse, o desenvolvimento de FA se mostrou como fator de risco independente para mortalidade intra-hospitalar.

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects about 2% to 4% of the world population, and in patients hospitalized in intensive care units, this incidence can reach up to 23% in those with septic shock. The impact of AF in patients with sepsis is reflected in worse clinical outcomes, and the identification of the triggering factors can be a target for future prevention and treatment strategies. Objectives To verify the relationship between the development of AF and mortality in patients over 80 years of age included in the sepsis protocol and to identify the risk factors that contribute to the development of AF in this population. Methods Retrospective observational study, with a review of electronic medical records and inclusion of 895 patients aged 80 years or older, included in the sepsis protocol of a high-complexity private hospital in São Paulo, SP, from January 2018 to December 2020. All tests were performed with a significance level of 5%. Results The incidence of AF in the sample was 13%. After multivariate analysis, using multiple logistic regression, it was possible to demonstrate an association of mortality, in the studied population, with the SOFA score (odds ratio [OR] 1.21 [1.09 - 1.35]), higher values of C-reactive protein (OR 1.04 [1.01 - 1.06]), need for vasoactive drugs (OR 2.4 [1.38 - 4.18]), use of mechanical ventilation (OR 3.49 [1.82 - 6.71]), and mainly AF (OR 3.7 [2.16 - 6.31]) Conclusion In very elderly patients (80 years of age and older) with sepsis, the development of AF was shown to be an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality.

Avaliação Prognóstica da Microalternância da onda T na Cardiomiopatia Hipertrófica em um Seguimento Clínico de 9 anos / Prognostic Evaluation of Microvolt T-Wave Alternans in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: 9-year Clinical Follow-up

Resumo Fundamento: A morte súbita cardíaca (MSC), decorrente de arritmias ventriculares, é a principal complicação da cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH). A microalternância da onda T (MAOT) está associada à ocorrência de arritmias ventriculares em diversas cardiopatias, mas seu papel na CMH permanece incerto. Objetivo: Avaliar associação da MAOT com a ocorrência de MSC ou arritmias ventriculares malignas em pacientes com CMH. Método: Pacientes com diagnóstico de CMH e classe funcional I-II (NYHA) foram selecionados de forma consecutiva. No início do seguimento os participantes realizaram a avaliação da MAOT pela metodologia da média móvel modificada no teste de esforço. Os resultados foram classificados em alterado ou normal. O desfecho foi composto por MSC, fibrilação ventricular, taquicardia ventricular sustentada (TVS) e terapia apropriada do cardioversor desfibrilador implantável (CDI). O nível de significância estatística foi de 5%. Resultados: Um total de 132 pacientes (idade média de 39,5±12,6 anos) foram incluídos, com tempo de seguimento médio de 9,5 anos. A MAOT foi alterada em 74 (56%) participantes e normal em 58 (44%). Durante o seguimento, nove (6,8%) desfechos ocorreram, com prevalência de 1,0%/ano, sendo seis casos de MSC, dois choques apropriados do CDI e um episódio de TVS. MAOT alterada foi associada à taquicardia ventricular não sustentada no Holter (p=0,016), espessura septal≥30 mm (p<0,001) e resposta inadequada da pressão arterial ao esforço (p=0,046). Cinco pacientes (7%) e quatro pacientes (7%) com MAOT alterada e normal, respectivamente, apresentaram desfecho primário [OR=0,85(IC95%: 0,21-3,35, p=0,83)]. Curvas de eventos de Kaplan-Meir não apresentaram diferenças entre MAOT normal e alterada. Conclusão: A MAOT alterada não foi associada à ocorrência de MSC ou arritmias ventriculares potencialmente fatais em pacientes com CMH, e a baixa taxa desses eventos em um seguimento em longo prazo sugere o bom prognóstico dessa cardiopatia.

Abstract Background: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) resulting from ventricular arrhythmia is the main complication of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) is associated with the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias in several heart diseases, but its role in HCM remains uncertain. Objective: To evaluate the association of MTWA with the occurrence of SCD or potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmias in HCM patients in a long-term follow-up. Methods: Patients diagnosed with HCM and NYHA functional class I-II were consecutively selected. At the beginning of the follow-up, the participants performed the MTWA evaluation using the modified moving average during the stress test. The results were classified as altered or normal. The composite endpoint of SCD, ventricular fibrillation, sustained ventricular tachycardia (SVT) or appropriate implantable cardiac defibrillation (ICD) therapy was assessed. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: A total of 132 patients (mean age of 39.5 ± 12.6 years) were recruited and followed for a mean of 9.5 years. The MTWA test was altered in 74 (56%) participants and normal in 58 (44%). Nine events (6.8%) occurred during the follow-up, with a prevalence of 1.0%/year - six SCDs, two appropriate ICD shocks and one episode of (SVT). Altered MTWA was associated with non-sustained ventricular tachycardia on Holter (p = 0.016), septal thickness ≥30 mm (p < 0.001) and inadequate blood pressure response to effort (p = 0.046). Five patients with altered MTWA (7%) and four patients with normal MTWA (7%) had the primary outcome [OR = 0.85 (95% CI: 0.21 - 3.35, p=0.83)]. Kaplan-Meir event curves showed no differences between normal and altered MTWA. Conclusion: Altered MTWA was not associated with the occurrence of SCD or potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmias in HCM patients, and the low rate of these events during long-term follow-up suggests the good prognosis of this heart disease.

Clinical analysis of 24-hour dynamic electrocardiographic changes in 323 middle-aged and older adult patients with cardiovascular disease / 中国基层医药

Objective:To analyze the 24-hour dynamic electrocardiographic changes in middle-aged and older adult patients with cardiovascular disease, providing effective guidance for clinical targeted intervention.Methods:The clinical data of 232 middle-aged and older adult patients who received treatment in Shanxi Coal Central Hospital from April 2019 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Among these patients, 166 patients with cardiovascular disease aged ≥ 60 years were included in the observation group, and 157 patients with cardiovascular disease aged < 60 years were included in the control group. The 24-hour dynamic electrocardiographic changes were compared between the two groups.Results:The detection rates of atrial arrhythmias, ventricular arrhythmias, sinus arrhythmias, complex ventricular arrhythmias, and complex atrial arrhythmias in the observation group were 96.99%, 88.55%, 28.31%, 39.76%, and 52.41% respectively, which were significantly higher than 50.32%, 50.96%, 8.28%, 9.55%, 8.92% in the control group ( χ2 = 19.21, 28.75, 23.45, 6.90, 8.06, all P < 0.001). The time of myocardial ischemia attack in the observation group [(1.5 ± 0.5) minutes] was significantly shorter than that in the control group [(2.5 ± 0.5) minutes, t = 23.09, P < 0.001)]. The time of myocardial ischemia attack in the observation group was mostly from 0:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Conclusion:Patients aged ≥ 60 years are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. The risk of cardiovascular diseases increase with increasing age. In particular at 0:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., 24-hour dynamic electrocardiographic changes should be monitored to further understand the actual situation of patients and guide clinical effective prevention and treatment of myocardial ischemia.

Predictive value of dynamic electrocardiography for myocardial ischemia and arrhythmia in patients with coronary heart disease / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of dynamic electrocardiography (ECG) for myocardial ischemia and arrhythmia in patients with coronary heart disease.Methods:A total of 87 patients with coronary heart disease who received treatment in Wenling Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to January 2022 were included in this study. These patients were divided into a conventional ECG group (group A, n = 40) and a dynamic ECG group (group B, n = 47) according to different examination methods. The detection rate of myocardial ischemia in the two groups was determined. The diagnostic efficacy of routine ECG and dynamic ECG for myocardial ischemia was analyzed according to the results of coronary angiography. The detection rate of arrhythmia was determined in each group. Patient satisfaction was compared between the two groups. Results:There was no significant difference in the total detection rate of myocardial ischemia between the two groups ( P = 0.154). The detection rate of asymptomatic myocardial ischemia in group B [25% (25/47)] was significantly higher than that in group A [10% (10/40), χ2 = 5.24, P = 0.020). According to the results of coronary angiography, the detection rates of myocardial ischemia in group A and group B were 68% (27/40) and 87% (41/47), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of group B in diagnosing myocardial ischemia were 80% (33/41), [67% (4/6), and 74% (35/47), respectively, all of which were significantly higher than 74% (20/27), [46% (6/13), 68% (27/40) in group A ( χ2 = 8.03, 5.89, 5.03, P = 0.003, 0.012, 0.005). The detection rates of premature ventricular contraction in bi-triplet rhythm, frequent paired premature atrial contraction in bi-triplet rhythm, right bundle-branch block, atrioventricular block, supraventricular tachycardia in group B were significantly higher compared with group A ( χ2 = 10.78, P = 0.001). According to the results of coronary angiography, the detection rates of arrhythmia in groups A and B were 65% (26/40) and 79% (37/47), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of diagnosing arrhythmia in coronary heart disease in group B were 86% (32/37), 40% (4/10), and 81% (38/47), respectively. The sensitivity and accuracy of diagnosing arrhythmia in coronary heart disease in group B were significantly higher than those in group A [58% (15/26), 55% (22/40), χ2 = 7.30, 4.90, P = 0.005, 0.010). Patient satisfaction in group B [87% (41/47)] was significantly higher than that in group A [65% (26/40), χ2 = 6.24, P = 0.044]. Conclusion:Compared with conventional ECG detection, dynamic ECG has substantially higher detection and diagnosis rates of myocardial ischemia and arrhythmia, as well as a higher patient satisfaction rate, in patients with coronary heart disease, in particular in those with asymptomatic myocardial ischemia.

Heart rate turbulence assessed through ergometry after myocardial infarction: a feasibility study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The impact of ventricular arrhythmias with impaired cardiac vagal activity is one of the most recently studied prognostic factors. However, there are no studies evaluating the phenomenon of heart rate turbulence (HRT) during physical exertion. OBJECTIVE: To study the behavior of HRT during exercise testing, among individuals after myocardial infarction. DESIGN AND SETTING: Feasibility study conducted in a university hospital among individuals 4-6 weeks after myocardial infarction. METHODS: All subjects underwent 24-hour Holter monitoring and ergometric stress testing. We considered that abnormal HRT was present if the turbulence onset was ≥ 0% or turbulence slope was ≤ 2.5 mm/relative risk interval. RESULTS: All 32 subjects were asymptomatic. Their median age was 58 years (interquartile range 12.8) and 70% were male. Abnormal HRT was associated with ventricular dysfunction in this population. We found no differences regarding the behavior of HRT, in relation to age, gender, smoking, systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus or dyslipidemia. Ergometric stress testing detected premature ventricular beats (PVB) in approximately 44% of the examinations, and these occurred both during the active phase of effort and in the recovery period. The low occurrence of several isolated PVB in beta-blocked subjects made it difficult to perform statistical analysis to correlate HRT between ergometric and Holter testing. CONCLUSION: The data obtained in this study do not support performing HRT through ergometric stress testing among patients who remain on beta-blockers post-myocardial infarction, for the purpose of assessing cardiac vagal activity.

Perfil dos usuários de dispositivos cardíacos eletrônicos implantavéis em um hospital universitário / Perfil de usuario de dispositivos cardíacos electrónicos implantables en un hospital universitario / User profile of implantable electronic cardiac devices in a university hospital

Objetivo:Identificar o perfil dos pacientes submetidos à inserção de dispositivos cardíacos eletrônicos implantáveis em um hospital de referência do Rio Grande do Norte.Método:Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, exploratório, retrospectivo dos últimos 03 anoscom abordagem quantitativa. Amostragem foiselecionada por conveniência. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre outubrode 2017 a março de 2018.Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 215prontuários,destes 182 foram analisados.Implantarammarca-passos63,7% e 28% cardiodesfibriladores, corresponderam ao sexo masculino69,3%,com média de idade 65 e 49.Entre as comorbidades,a Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmicaabrangeu 87,4%.Evidenciaram-se os bloqueios atrioventriculares como principal causa para implantes (35%), seguidos das miocardiopatias (12%).Conclusão:Percebeu-se que, os indivíduos que implantaram marcapassos eram acometidos por bradiarritmias,enquanto cardiodesfibriladores por taquiarritmias. As complicações pós-operatórias e intercorrências durante o procedimento foram de baixo risco. Salienta-se, que no manejo desses usuários é fundamental a elaboração de um protocolo, visando aperfeiçoar o cuidado.(AU)

Objective: Toidentifytheprofileofpatientsundergoinginsertionof implantable electroniccardiacdevices in a reference hospital in Rio Grande do Norte. Method: Thisis a descriptive, exploratory,retrospective studyofthelastthreeyearswith a quantitativeapproach. Samplingwasselectedby convenience. Data collectionoccurredbetweenOctober 2017 to March 2018. Results: Samplecomposedof 215 medical records, ofthese 182 wereanalyzed. Implantedpacemakers 63.7% and 28% cardiodesfibrillators, corresponded tothe male gender 69.3%, withaverageage 65 and 49. Amongthecomorbidities, Systemic Arterial Hypertensioncovered 87.4%. Theatrioventricular blocks wereevidenced as themain cause forimplantation (35%), followedbymyocardiopathies (12%). Conclusion: Itwasnoticedthatindividualswhoimplantedpacemakerswereaffectedbybradyarrhythmias, whilecardioverter-defibrillatorswereaffe ctedbytachyarrhythmias. Thepostoperativecomplications and complicationsduringtheprocedurewerelowrisk. Itisemphasizedthat in themanagementoftheseusersitisessentialtodevelop a protocol, aimingtoimprove care.(AU)

Objetivo: identificar el perfil de los pacientes sometidos a la inserción de dispositivos cardíacos electrónicos implantables en el hospital de referencia de Rio Grande do Norte. Método: se trata de un estudio descriptivo, exploratorio, retrospectivo de los últimos 3 años con enfoque cuantitativo. El muestreo fue seleccionado por conveniencia. La recolección de datos se llevó a cabo entre octubre de 2017 y marzo de 2018. Resultados: muestra compuesta por 215 historias clínicas, de las cuales se analizaron 182. Marcapasos implantados 63,7% y desfibriladores cardioversores 28%, correspondieron al sexo masculino 69,3%, con una edad media de 65 y 49 años. Entre las comorbilidades, la Hipertensión Arterial Sistémica cubrió el 87,4%. Los bloqueos auriculoventriculares se evidenciaron como la principal causa de implantes (35%), seguida de las miocardiopatías (12%). Conclusión: se notó que, los portadores de marcapasos se vieron afectados por bradiarritmias, mientras que los desfibriladores cardioversores por taquiarritmias. Las complicaciones postoperatorias y las complicaciones durante el procedimiento fueron de bajo riesgo. Cabe señalar que en el manejo de estos usuarios es fundamental la elaboración de un protocolo, con el fin de mejorar la atención.(AU)

Association between ventricular premature contraction burden and ventricular repolarization duration

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Premature ventricular contraction is generally known as benign in the absence of structural heart disease; however, premature ventricular contraction-induced left ventricular systolic dysfunction or ventricular arrhythmias are defined in some cases. Ventricular repolarization duration differs between myocardial cells, which causes myocardial electrical heterogeneity and is thought to be responsible for ventricular arrhythmias. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the association of ventricular repolarization parameters including Tp-Te interval, Tp-Te/QT ratio, and QRS-T angle with premature ventricular contraction frequency in patients with premature ventricular contraction burden. METHODS: A total of 80 subjects who were admitted to our cardiology department and underwent 24-h electrocardiography Holter monitoring were included. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 is defined as premature ventricular contraction burden that had frequent premature ventricular contraction ≥1% in 24-h Holter monitoring, and group 2 is defined as rare premature ventricular contraction <1% in 24-h Holter monitoring. RESULTS: Tp-Te interval and Tp-Te/QT ratio are statistically significantly prolonged in the premature ventricular contraction burden group than in the control group (85.3±13.9 vs. 65.7±11.9, p<0.001; 0.19±0.03 vs. 0.15±0.02, p<0.001, respectively). QRS-T angle was statistically significantly abnormal in the premature ventricular contraction burden group (p=0.024). CONCLUSION: Increased Tp-Te interval and widened QRS-T angle are associated with ventricular arrhythmias and might be used for the prediction of premature ventricular contraction burden in patients with premature ventricular contraction in electrocardiography in the absence of 24-h Holter monitoring.