Abstract
Background: Being infected with COVID-19 is a multifaceted syndrome that should be managed in the context of concurrent comorbidities. This study aimed to decipher the influence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in the COVID-19 progression and its outcome.
Methods: From a cohort of 184 consecutive CVD patients diagnosed with COVID-19, 86 and 98 cases were placed in the non-severe and severe groups. The clinical, laboratory, and outcome data were compared between two divisions. A logistic regression model was further applied to determine parameters associated with disease severity and outcomes.
Results: Patients in the severe group had significantly a higher mean age and body mass index (BMI). Of laboratory parameters, neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) ratio, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, troponin I, and creatine kinase-myocardial band increased significantly in the severe group. Heart failure (HF) was the only CVD type that was associated with disease severity and outcome. The overall mortality rate among CVD patients was 24.5%, and patients with age over 75, dyspnea, and lower O2 saturation at the admission time were at risk of an increased chance of death.
Conclusion: The mortality rate of COVID patients with underlying CVDs is high, and identifying the factors associated with disease progression is of great value. Obesity and advanced age put cardiovascular patients at the stake of severe disease and poorer outcomes. Dyspnea and hypoxia at the admission time, as well as the N/L ratio, were associated with disease severity and outcome, and chances are that they can be used as suitable predictors for recognizing those who need intensive management care.