Patients with post COVID-19 syndrome in cardiology practice

Although the symptoms of COVID-19 are acute and in most cases patients are fully recovered, a significant number of patients are experiencing symptoms even after more than 12 weeks. Aim – of this study was to identify the reasons for cardiological evaluation in patients who have survived COVID-19 disease. Methods – In this cross-sectional descriptive study were included 117 individuals who had overcome SARS 2 COVID-19 infection at least 12 weeks ago. From the study were excluded all individuals younger than 18 years, those who did not agree to participate in the research and all those who even before being diagnosed with COVID-19 were treated for various cardiovascular diseases. All participants underwent cardiological examination (anamnesis and physical examination) and were determined biochemical parameters (CK-MB, CPK, Troponin I, etc.) and performed diagnostic examinations according to clinical indication (ECG, transthoracic echocardiography, test i exercise test, Hollter ECG and Coronarography). Results – The average age of the respondents was 52.42 ± 13.96 years (from 27 - 78 years). Of those 45 (32.87%) were male. Hospitalized for COVID-19 were 38 (32.48%). Cardiac injuries were encountered in 15 (12.82%) of cases, 6 of those hospitalized and 9 of those who were not hospitalized. The most common symptom was fatigue (66.67%). However, from cardiac injuries, rhythm disorders were mostly confirmed, from 17 (14.53%) cases with palpitations, to 11 (64.71%) rhythm disorders were confirmed by ECG, stress test or during Holter monitoring. Regarding cardiac disorders, no significant difference was observed between individuals treated in hospital for COVID-19 and those who were not hospitalized (p = 0.71). Conclusion – Data from this research have highlighted that a significant proportion of patients who have coped with SARS-CoV-2 infection will face post COVID-19 syndrome , including cardiac disorders. All individuals with post COVID-19 syndrome who have symptoms suggestive of possible cardiac injury should consult a cardiologist