Arrhythmias and ECG abnormalities in COVID-19
- July 01,2021
- 2 Min Read

Arrhythmias may complicate hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in up to 16.7% of cases and tend to prolong the ICU stay. The arrhythmia mechanisms are highly variable and include supraventricular tachycardia, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) and torsade.
The exact etiology of arrhythmias is unclear at present, but besides the usual culprits (like - hypoxia, inflammatory cascade, myocarditis), drug therapy such as chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, moxifloxacin and azithromycin can also be etiologic factors.
Indications for ECG in COVID-19:
· Baseline ECG in all with evidence of moderate or severe COVID-19 infection
· Anyone with pre-existing cardiovascular disease or high-risk factor burden
· Those with arrhythmia
· Marked cardiac troponin elevation
· Typical acute coronary syndrome symptoms
· Daily ECGs in those given hydroxychloroquine
ECG abnormalities observed in COVID-19 patients:
· Rhythm abnormalities-
o Ventricular tachycardia
o Torsades de pointes
o Atrial fibrillation
o Supra ventricular tachycardia
· Specific abnormalities-
o ST elevation in I, II, aVL and V2-6. Coronary angiography demonstrated non-occlusive coronary artery disease
o Sinus tachycardia in patients with cardiogenic shock and severe left ventricular dysfunction
o Premature atrial and ventricular complexes, lateral-wave inversion and prolonged QT
o Sinus rhythm with non-specific ST and T-wave changes
Coronary angiography should be performed in those with reciprocal ECG changes and high sensitivity troponin elevation, particularly if progressive.
#unburdenhealthcare with us.
Most Viewed
Premarital Health Screening
- September 30,2020
- 20 Min Read
Typhoid - Signs and Symptoms
- March 02,2021
- 3 Min Read
Dengue Fever: What it is and How to Prevent It
- February 28,2021
- 4 Min Read
Home Isolation Guidelines - Covid-19 Care
- April 01,2021
- 5 Min Read
Types of tests for HIV & Monitoring (Suburban Medical Journal)
- December 22,2021
- 30 Min Read
Understanding HRCT Scan Scores for Covid-19 Infections
- May 31,2021
- 2 Min Read
Dengue Fever : Symptoms, Prevention and Control
- May 16,2022
- 3 Min Read
Vitamin D and Diabetes : Treatment & Development
- March 28,2021
- 3 Min Read
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, & Complications
- May 30,2022
- 2 Min Read
Obesity: Complications And Ways To Deal With Them
- April 25,2022
- 2 Min Read