LONG-TERM CARDIOVASCULAR OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS RECOVERING FROM COVID-19: PROGNOSTIC FACTORS AND CLINICAL PERSPECTIVES

The aim of this study – to evaluate the prevalence of cardio- vascular (CV) complications in post- COVID patients, identify key prognostic factors, and analyze the impact of demographic characteristics on the risk of their development. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in a prospective cohort observation format, which included 328 patients who had moderate to severe COVID-19. All patients had a laboratory- confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 and X-ray/CT signs of pneumonia. Within 12 months after discharge, the condition was monitored with an assessment of demographic data, history, physical status, instrumental (ECG, EchoCG, CT/X-ray) and laboratory parameters (NLR, CRP, D-dimer, etc.) in order to identify long-term cardiovascular complications, including arrhythmias, MACE, heart failure, thromboembolism. Patients were divided into groups depending on the presence of complications; comparisons were made using the t-test and χ²-criterion. Results. CV complications were identified in 31.4% of patients. Gender analysis revealed that men experienced complications more frequetly, particularly MACE (19.4% versus 13.8% in women). Elevated levels of neutrophilic- lymphatic relations (NLR), levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), and D-dimer in patients with CV outcomes of COVID-19 indicate their significance as risk markers. Conclusions. The findings emphasize the importance of monitoring post- COVID patients with a focus on high-risk groups. The use of biomarkers such as NLR and D-dimer enhances the effectiveness of early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular complications.