COVID-19 in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease: a series of cases during the fourth epidemiologic wave in Mexico City

Objective: SARS-CoV-2 infection induces an immune response that causes excessive inflammation damaging cardiac tissue and vascular endothelium. The objective of this study is to review a series of cases of hospitalized patients with pre-existing cardiac disease to describe the clinical behavior and highlight the low frequency of morbidity and mortality. Method: Retrospective study of 17 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 by polymerase chain reaction test or antigen test, a history of cardiovascular disease with or without comorbidities, and a history of at least one dose of the vaccine for COVID-19, during the period between December 30, 2021 and March 17, 2022 at the Ignacio Chvez National Institute of Cardiology in Mexico City. Results: The most frequent cardiac pathology was acute myocardial infarction (31.25%) and the most common arrhythmia was atrial fibrillation (25%). The median number of days of hospital stay was 10 days (interquartile range: 4-14).Regarding the outcomes, 94% of the patients were discharged due to clinical improvement, and only one patient died during his hospitalization.Conclusions: It is crucial to continue investigating SARS-CoV-2 effects in patients pre-existing heart disease and in those with persistent symptoms after infection.This will allow the development of more effective strategies for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular complications associated with COVID-19.