"A systematic review of case reports of new-onset atrial fibrillation i" by Rocio Barriga Guzman, Oluwaremilekun Tolu-Akinnawo et al.
 

A systematic review of case reports of new-onset atrial fibrillation in COVID-19 patients

Affiliations

Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

Abstract

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic posed a significant global public health challenge, affecting millions of individuals. While some COVID-19 patients remain asymptomatic, others experience severe complications, including multiorgan failure and death. Emerging evidence indicates that COVID-19 is associated with substantial cardiovascular complications, notably an increased risk of arrhythmias, with atrial fibrillation (AF) being particularly prevalent among hospitalized patients. This review analyzes case reports of new-onset AF in COVID-19 patients, synthesizing data on patient demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentations, and outcomes. The cases reviewed indicate that affected patients were predominantly male, covered a broad age range, and frequently had underlying conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia. The main outcomes observed included a high incidence of severe complications such as ischemic stroke, acute respiratory failure, myocarditis, and heart failure. Mortality rates were notably elevated among patients with COVID-19-related AF, particularly in those requiring intensive care or mechanical ventilation. The findings emphasize the significant cardiovascular burden of COVID-19, with a focus on its association with increased AF risk. By integrating case-based evidence, this review highlights the complex interplay between COVID-19 and AF, underscoring the need for early recognition and targeted treatment strategies to mitigate cardiovascular complications and improve patient outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Type

Article

PubMed ID

40091918


 

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