Cardiovascular Impact of COVID-19: Risk Factors and Post-Infection Sequelae in Recovered Patients - Insights from a Single-Center Study

Abstract

Abstract Background COVID-19 sequelae are long-term symptoms of COVID-19. Cardiovascular disease is not only a risk factor for the occurrence of COVID-19 sequelae but also a potential result directly or indirectly caused by COVID-19 infection. Objectives To examine cardiovascular symptoms post-novel coronavirus in outpatients and inpatients and analyzing factors, symptoms, aiming to inform precise diagnosis and treatment strategies. Materials and methods From January 15, 2023, to February 15, 2023, 452 recovered patients with novel coronavirus infection who were admitted to the Cardiovascular Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine due to symptoms of the cardiovascular system (complaints of chest pain and palpitations) were involved in this study. A unified questionnaire was used to record the general information, past medical history, characteristics of chest pain or palpitations, and other COVID-19-related sequelae of the selected patients. All data were statistically analyzed by SPSS 26.0 statistical software. Results In this study of 452 patients (226 with cardiovascular symptoms and 226 without), various factors were linked to increased risks of cardiovascular symptoms post-COVID-19. Women and young individuals exhibited higher risks, as did those with prehypertension, hypertension, prior cardiovascular disease, or diabetes. The prevalent COVID-19 sequelae reported among all patients included fatigue (76.8%), shortness of breath (54.2%), dry or bitter mouth (46.0%), gastrointestinal symptoms (42.7%), sleep disturbances (37.4%), sweating (31.9%), chills (29%), dizziness (25.7%), brain fog (25.2%), and tinnitus (14.6%). Patients with cardiovascular symptoms were notably more prone to experiencing shortness of breath (OR 3.521), gastrointestinal issues (OR 2.039), and dry or bitter mouth (OR 1.918) compared to those without such symptoms. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05), emphasizing distinct symptom patterns associated with post-COVID-19 cardiovascular concerns. Conclusion COVID-19 shows higher cardiovascular symptom risks in women, young/elderly, prehypertension/hypertension, history of heart disease/diabetes, often associated with other sequelae.