In a systematic literature review aimed to determine the incidence and impact of cardiac arrhythmias in COVID-19 patients, it was found that arrhythmia incidence was significantly linked to having a higher chance of exhibiting poorer clinical outcomes.  Specifically, the incidence of arrhythmia in COVID-19 patients without poor clinical outcomes was 6%, whereas the incidence of arrhythmia in COVID-19 patients with poor clinical outcomes was 48%.  The overall incidence of arrhythmia in COVID-19 patients was found to be 19%.  


Johns Hopkins University

Viral infections are related to metabolic dysfunction, myocardial inflammation, and sympathetic nervous system activation, which all predispose patients to cardiac arrhythmia. 
In a report of 138 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 16.7% developed arrhythmias. Arrhythmia was observed in only 7% of those who did not need ICU treatment while 44% of those admitted to the ICU developed arrhythmia. 
Instances of developed arrhythmia include: atrial fibrillation, conduction block, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation. Though more research is needed on the associated manifestations. 

COVID-19 and Cardiac Arrhythmia (irregular heart  rhythm) 

Pranata, R., Huang, I., & Raharjo, S. B. (2020). Incidence and impact of cardiac arrhythmias in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A systematic review and meta-analysis. Indian pacing and electrophysiology journal, S0972-6292(20)30087-5. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ipej.2020.08.001

Incidence and impact of cardiac arrhythmias in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A systematic review and meta-analysis

COVID-19 patients, especially those requiring intensive care, sometimes seem to exhibit cardiac complications, such as arrhythmias and acute cardiac injury.  Previous virus outbreaks, such as MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and H1N1 influenza, have also been linked to myocardial injury and cardiovascular disease.  For example, many SARS-CoV patients exhibited sinus tachycardia, with some patients also undergoing cardiac arrest.  For MERS-CoV, cardiac arrhythmias and hypotension were common complications patients reported.  The influenza virus has been associated with many cardiovascular complications, including myocardial infarction and myocarditis.  Thus, it is crucial to further investigate potential cardiac complications that may be related to COVID-19.      



Learn Before

Related