Electrocardiographic manifestations of hospitalized adult patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19): UP-PGH DCVM ECG study.

Felix Eduardo R PUNZALAN; Paul Anthony O ALAD; Tam Adrian P AYA-AY; Kaye Eunice L LUSTESTICA; Nigel Jeronimo C SANTOS; Jaime Alfonso M AHERRERA; Elmer Jasper B LLANES; Giselle G GERVACIO; Eugenio B REYES; John C AÑONUEVO

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Electrocardiographic manifestations of hospitalized adult patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19): UP-PGH DCVM ECG study.

Author: Felix Eduardo R. PUNZALAN ^{1
,

2} ; Paul Anthony O. ALAD ¹ ; Tam Adrian P. AYA-AY ¹ ; Kaye Eunice L. LUSTESTICA ¹ ; Nigel Jeronimo C. SANTOS ¹ ; Jaime Alfonso M. AHERRERA ¹ ; Elmer Jasper B. LLANES ^{1
,

2} ; Giselle G. GERVACIO ^{1
,

2} ; Eugenio B. REYES ^{1
,

2} ; John C. AÑONUEVO ¹
Author Information

1. Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, NCR, Philippines
2. College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, NCR, Philippines
Publication Type:Journal Article, Original
MeSH: Human; Coronavirus Disease 19; Covid-19; Electrocardiography; Atrial Fibrillation
From: Acta Medica Philippina 2025;59(Early Access 2025):1-5
CountryPhilippines
Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
COVID-19 has been associated with cardiac injury, often detectable through electrocardiographic (ECG) changes. This study seeks to characterize the cardiovascular and electrocardiographic profiles of adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
METHODS
This study included adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 from June 2021 to June 2022. Clinical profiles and 12-lead ECG tracings were obtained from electronic medical records and reviewed independently by three cardiologists. Descriptive analysis was performed to summarize the cardiovascular and electrocardiographic findings in this population.
RESULTS
The study included 998 COVID-19 patients (mean age: 50 years; 53.7% male). The most common comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. A majority (31.36%) presented with severe COVID-19 infection. The most frequent significant ECG abnormalities observed at admission were sinus tachycardia (22.8%), and atrial fibrillation (11.02%). Additional ischemic findings included ST segment depression (2.91%), T-wave inversion (1.70%), and ST segment elevation (2.71%).
CONCLUSION
The baseline ECG findings among COVID-19 patients were predominantly normal; however, significant abnormalities were also identified. The most frequent abnormalities included sinus tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and ischemic changes, all of which may have clinical implications.