STUDY TO EVALUATE CT CALCIUM SCORE IN POST-COVID 19 PATIENTS: RETROSPECTIVE COHORT

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant long-term health implications, including potential cardiovascular complications such as accelerated coronary artery disease (CAD). This study investigates the relationship between COVID-19 severity and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores, which measure calcified atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries, a key predictor of future cardiovascular events. Understanding this relationship can inform cardiovascular risk management in post-COVID-19 patients. This study aims to Aims & Objectives: evaluate CT calcium scores in post-COVID-19 patients and determine the association between COVID-19 severity and coronary artery calcification. Additionally, it seeks to assess the impact of age, comorbidities, and respiratory support on CAC scores. This retrospective Methods: cohort study involved 60 post-COVID-19 patients from CSS Hospital, Subharti Medical College, Meerut. Data on demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were collected, and CT calcium scores were measured using computed tomography (CT) angiography. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationships between CAC scores and COVID-19 severity, age, comorbidities, and respiratory support. A Results: strong positive correlation (r=0.808, p<0.001) was found between severe COVID-19 and higher CAC scores, especially in patients over 50. Comorbidities such as T2DM and HTN did not significantly influence CAC scores. Higher calcium scores were associated with ICU admissions, though not with hospitalization. No significant gender differences in CAC scores were observed. Sever Conclusions: e COVID-19 is associated with elevated CAC scores, indicating higher cardiovascular risk in these patients. Further research is needed to explore the long-term cardiovascular implications in post-COVID-19 patients.