Research published this month in the European Heart Journal Open has shown that people who have been infected with COVID-19 are at a greater risk of developing heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation.
The study included data from over 1,000,000 people in Sweden who tested positive for COVID-19 as well as over 4,000,000 matched controls who did not test positive for COVID-19. The data were checked for the onset of various heart rhythm disorders, including atrial arrhythmias, ventricular arrhythmias, tachycardia (high heart rate), and bradyarrhythmia (low heart rate).
The results showed that the risk of tachycardia, bradyarrhythmia, and atrial fibrillation were all significantly increased after infection with COVID-19. Only ventricular arrhythmias showed no increase in risk. The risk of atrial fibrillation was 12 times greater in the first month after COVID-19 infection compared to individuals who did not contract COVID-19, and the risk was still significantly elevated two months after infection. Similarly, the risk of a certain type of tachycardia was five times greater in the first 30 days after infection, and the risk of bradyarrhythmia was three times greater in that time frame compared to individuals who did not contract COVID-19.
The authors noted that the risk of experiencing arrhythmias after infection with COVID-19 was greatest for older individuals, individuals who had severe COVID-19, and those who were not vaccinated. Among these, the severity of the COVID-19 infection was the strongest risk factor. These results highlight the importance of getting vaccinated for COVID-19. Furthermore, patients who are at greater risk due to age or severity of infection should be aware of this risk and take appropriate steps to test for and treat arrhythmias following infection.
Sources: European Heart Journal Open, Science Daily
