RESUMO
Introduction : The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) primarily involves respiratory system but may also affect the Cardiovascular System leading to abnormal ECGs. Its early recognition is crucial as it may be associated with increased mortality. Hence we aimed to find out various Electrocardiographic (ECG) manifestations of COVID19 patients admitted in a Tertiary Care Hospital and its relation to disease severity. Methods : We performed a hospital-based retrospective observational study between April, 2021 to November 2021 and analyzed the ECG changes at admission by three Cardiologists according to standard definitions and diagnostic criteria. Results : Out of 579 patients, ECG of 473 was available for analysis. ECG was normal in 227 (48%) and abnormal in 246 (52%) patients. Most common abnormal ECG finding in COVID19 patients was Sinus Tachycardia(19.5%) and less common findings were Sinus Bradycardia (5.3%), Incomplete Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB) (3.2%), atrial fibrillation (2.5%), complete RBBB (2.3%), atrial premature complexes (2.3%), S1Q1T3 pattern (2.1%), first degree AV block (1.5%), ST-T wave changes (1.3%), Atrial flutter (1.1%). In mechanically ventilated patients, incidence of acute Right Ventricular Pressure Overload (RVPO) related ECG findings were more frequent. Conclusion : There is a wide spectrum of ECG manifestations in COVID-19 patients which varies depending upon the severity of COVID as well as prior Cardiovascular status, associated comorbidities and need for ventilatory support. Knowledge of ECG changes might help in risk stratification and triaging of COVID-19 patients.