Respiratory symptoms are the most commonly observed clinical manifestations in patients with COVID-19 infection; however, some patients may present with cardiovascular complications. Patients with underlying cardiovascular diseases are associated with increased mortality risk. This study aimed to provide local data on the clinical profile and cardiovascular outcomes and to determine predictors of in-hospital mortality among COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in the Philippines.

This single-center retrospective study included hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between March 2020 and May 2022. Clinical parameters were subjected to univariate and multivariate regression analyses, with in-hospital mortality as the dependent variable.

A total of 1341 patients were admitted with a mean age of 50 years, half of whom were males. Hypertension is the most common comorbidity (728 [54.3%]), followed by diabetes mellitus (393 [29.3%]) and heart disease (136 [10.1%]). Patients admitted to the intensive care unit had significantly higher systolic blood pressure than non–intensive care unit patients (127 ± 19 vs 139 ± 26 mm Hg; P < 0.001), as well as higher plasma erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, troponin, ferritin, and lactate dehydrogenase. The most common cardiac complications observed were heart failure (39%), acute cardiac injury (30%), and arrhythmia (30%). During hospitalization, 100 patients (7.4%) died; almost half were admitted to the critical care unit, and 84 had cardiac complications, with heart failure (21%) being the most common. Sinus tachycardia was the most common electrocardiographic abnormality (436 [32%]). Univariate analysis showed diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 2.7; P = 0.029) and hypertension (OR, 3.4; P = 0.11). Multivariate analysis revealed that age (OR, 1.095; P < 0.05) and admission duration (OR, 0.906; P < 0.05) were significantly associated with mortality.

This study highlights the clinical characteristics of patients contracted with COVID-19 who may experience several cardiac conditions. Therefore, particular attention should be given to the role of preexisting cardiovascular diseases and cardiac complications that may contribute to long-term outcomes.