Impact of Long-COVID on Cardiac Arrhythmias: A Multi-Center Study from the Middle Euphrates Region, Iraq

Abstract

Long-COVID, characterized by prolonged symptoms following an acute COVID-19 infection, has emerged as a significant public health concern. Cardiac arrhythmias are among the critical sequelae associated with long-COVID. This study aims to assess the incidence and nature of cardiac arrhythmias in long-term patients. This retrospective cohort study involved 340 patients diagnosed with long-term COVID-19, recruited from various hospitals in the Middle Euphrates region throughout 2022. The majority of the cohort were male, with ages ranging from 25 to 89 years. Data on cardiac arrhythmias were collated and analyzed. The study found a notable incidence of cardiac arrhythmias in long-COVID-19 patients, with variations across different age groups and a predominance in male patients. The types of arrhythmias and their severity differed significantly, indicating the diverse impact of long-term on cardiac health. The findings suggest a significant association between long-COVID-19 and the development of cardiac arrhythmias. The study highlights the need for vigilant cardiac monitoring in long-COVID-19 patients and underscores the importance of further research to understand the underlying mechanisms and to develop effective management strategies.