Cardiac Arrhythmias and Covid-19

Abstract Cardiovascular manifestations of COVID-19 include cardiac rhythm disturbances, whose mechanisms, incidence, and most common types are not well established in this population. Intense inflammatory response and metabolic activity contribute to recurrence of pre-existing arrhythmias, and other arrhythmias can occur due to myocardial injury, acute coronary insufficiency, and electrolyte disturbances. Brady- and tachyarrhythmias, as well as conduction disorders have been described. QT interval prolongation and fatal ventricular arrhythmias ( Torsades de Pointes ) may result from the pathological process or adverse effect of drugs (antiarrhythmics, chloroquine / hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin and antivirals). Patients with congenital heart disease and hemodynamic repercussions, patients with signs of heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, cyanosis, hypoxemia, and those who underwent heart transplantation and immunosuppression are at greater risk. In patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), the risk depends on the presence of structural heart disease. In the course of COVID-19, in-person assessment of these patients should be limited to high-risk situations, including syncope, worsening of heart failure and shock delivery by ICDs. Likewise, cardiac implantable electronic device implantation or replacement surgery should be limited to emergency and urgent cases, including symptomatic high-degree atrioventricular block, ICD for secondary prevention and pulse generator replacement due to battery drain.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Fagundes,Alexsandro Alves, Melo,Sissy Lara de, Armaganijan,Luciana, Kuniyoshi,Ricardo, Moraes,Luis Gustavo Belo de, Borges,Vanessa Alves Guimarães, Scanavacca,Mauricio, Martinelli Filho,Martino, Teixeira,Ricardo Alkmim
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia 2021
Online Access:	http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2359-56472021005012201
Tags:	Add Tag No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!