Cardiovascular manifestations of post-COVID-19 syndrome. A cross-sectional analytical study
Keywords:
Post-COVID-19 syndrome; Cardiovascular manifestations; Immunization; Disease severity.Abstract
Introduction: Exercise intolerance, palpitations, and arterial hypertension are prominent among the cardiovascular manifestations of post-COVID-19 syndrome.
Objective: To describe the cardiovascular manifestations in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome.
Methods: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted in patients seen at the multidisciplinary post-COVID-19 clinic of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Provincial General Hospital in Bayamo, Granma province, from January 2, 2024, to December 31, 2025. Patients of either sex, over 18 years of age, recovered from confirmed COVID-19, according to World Health Organization definitions, were included.
Results: The incidence rate of cardiovascular manifestations was 54.9 (95% CI: 45.20 to 66.17; p: 0.000). Females predominated at 63.4%. Among the manifestations, the following stood out: exercise intolerance (34.2%), palpitations (23.3%), and newly diagnosed arterial hypertension (19.8%). The average time from infection onset to medical care was significantly longer in patients with cardiovascular manifestations (p=0.019). The shorter immunization time before falling ill was significantly less in the patients (p=0.001).
Conclusions: The incidence of cardiovascular manifestations was high. The mean age was the most affected. Exercise intolerance, palpitations, and newly diagnosed arterial hypertension stand out among the main manifestations. The need for early immunization and prompt and adequate medical care is evident.
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