ECG changes in COVID-19
https://doi.org/10.18087/cardio.2020.8.n1192
Abstract
Aim To evaluate changes in 12-lead ECG in patients with coronavirus infection.
Materials and methods This article describes signs of electrocardiographic right ventricular “stress” in patients with COVID-19. 150 ECGs of 75 COVID-19 patients were analyzed in the Institute of Cardiology of the National Medical Research Centre for Therapy and Preventive Medicine. The diagnosis was based on the clinical picture of community-acquired pneumonia, data of chest multispiral computed tomography, and a positive test for COVID-19. ECG was recorded both in 3-6 and in 12 leads. Signs of right ventricular (RV) stress, so-called systolic overload (high R and inverted TV1–3 and TII, III, aVF), and diastolic overload (RV wall hypertrophy and cavity dilatation; complete or incomplete right bundle branch block) were evaluated.
Results The most common signs for impaired functioning of the right heart include emergence of the RV P wave phase (41.3 %), incomplete right bundle branch block (42.6 %), ECG of the SIQ IIITIII type (33.3 %) typical for thromboembolic complications, and signs of RV hypertrophy, primarily increased SV5–6 (14.7 %). These changes are either associated with signs of RV myocardial stress (16 %) or appear on the background of signs for diffuse hypoxia evident as tall, positive, sharp-ended T waves in most leads (28 %).
Conclusion A conclusive, comprehensive assessment of the reversal of hemodynamic disorders and electrocardiographic dynamics in patients with COVID-19 will be possible later, when more data become available.
Keywords
Supporting agencies: No Conflict of Interest Authors Claimed
About the Author
G. V. Ryabykina
National Medical Research Center for Cardiology, Moscow, Russia
Russian Federation
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor. Chief Researcher, ECG Laboratory
Russian Federation
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor. Chief Researcher, ECG Laboratory
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For citations:
Ryabykina G.V. ECG changes in COVID-19. Kardiologiia. 2020;60(8):16-22. https://doi.org/10.18087/cardio.2020.8.n1192
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