Decoding Cardiovascular Links to ICU Admission and Mortality in COVID-19

Objective In this study, we aimed to investigate cardiovascular complications in COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Shahid Faghihi Hospital and assess the correlation of these complications with the need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 216 COVID-19 patients admitted to Shahid Faghihi Hospital, randomly selected. Patient records were evaluated for laboratory findings, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and cardiovascular complications. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results Among the 216 patients studied, 89 (41.2%) were male, and 127 (58.8%) were female. The average age of the patients was 61.56 years. Patients requiring ICU admission had higher age, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and higher D-dimer levels. Deceased patients also had higher LDH and D-dimer levels compared to recovered patients. Furthermore, deceased patients were more likely to have positive troponin and higher D-dimer levels. They exhibited more non-specific ST-T segment changes, Atrial fibrillation, right bundle branch block, rightward deviation of the heart's electrical axis, elevated ST segment, pericardial effusion, pleural effusion, and segmental pulmonary thromboembolism. Also, normal electrocardiography (ECG) had a protective effect on admission to the intensive care unit. Conclusion COVID-19 patients may experience not only respiratory syndromes but also cardiovascular complications, including myocarditis, stroke, and pulmonary thromboembolism, which can contribute to increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, appropriate cardiovascular monitoring for COVID-19 patients is of paramount importance.ug.