Prevalência de sequelas e comorbidades cardiovasculares em pacientes após internação por COVID-19 no norte gaúcho

Abstract

Background: Infection with SARS-CoV-2 has been associated with persistent cardiovascular manifestations; however, there is a lack of studies in smaller cities in Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 162 patients after hospitalization for COVID-19 in a city in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Interviews were conducted up to 12 months after discharge, between September 2022 and April 2023, using structured questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed (Chi-square test, p<0.05). Results: Most participants were elderly (68.5%), white (71%), female (59.3%), and had low educational attainment (53.1%). A total of 43.7% reported at least one cardiovascular sequela and 9.9% reported at least one cardiovascular comorbidity after hospitalization. The most prevalent outcomes were tachycardia (24.4%), chest pain (20.8%), and thrombosis (4.9%). Significant associations were observed between pre-existing conditions (such as hypertension and heart disease) and cardiovascular outcomes. Conclusion: Cardiovascular sequelae and comorbidities were frequent in the post COVID period, especially among patients with pre-existing chronic diseases. These findings highlight the importance of ongoing clinical follow-up and support the need for longitudinal studies. Despite the limitations of the cross-sectional design and self reported data collection, the results contribute to the understanding of Long COVID in local contexts.