Abstract
BACKGROUND: Covid-19 infection can affect the cardiovascular system in the long term, due to the inflammation and endothelial damage caused by SARS-CoV-2. It is unknown whether patients who have had severe covid-19 have a higher risk of cardiovascular complications than those who have not. OBJECTIVE: To compare the presentation of cardiovascular complications in patients with a history of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and population without this history. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational analytical cohort study was conducted that included 988 patients, with a calculation for the sample size to detect a minimum RR of 1.5 with a statistical power of 80%. The outcome was measured through electronic medical records and variables were compared. A descriptive analysis was performed using measures of central tendency and dispersion for quantitative variables and absolute and relative frequencies for qualitative variables. RESULTS: The history of severe covid-19 infection is related to a higher risk of rehospitalization for cardiovascular causes. There was an increase in the frequency of endocarditis, arrhythmias and thrombotic events. Type 4a infarcts and thrombi in the right atrium were more common in patients with covid-19. CONCLUSIONS: Covid-19 was associated with a higher hospital readmission for cardiac problems, such as endocarditis and arrhythmias. A persistent negative impact on long-term cardiovascular health was identified in these patients.