Вестник Ассоциации пульмонологов Центральной Азии Volume 18 Issue 13 (2026) · pp. 182-187
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CLINICAL COMPLICATIONS IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEART FAILURE AND ATRIAL FIBRILLATION WITH AND WITHOUT COVID-19 INFECTION
Avazbekov B.A., Tulaboyeva G.M., Tursunov Kh.Kh.
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical course and complications of chronic heart failure (CHF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) in elderly patients with and without a history of COVID-19 infection. A retrospective cohort study was conducted including 285 patients aged ≥60 years diagnosed with CHF and AF between 2021 and 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=145) – CHF + AF with previous COVID-19 infection; Group 2 (n=140) – CHF + AF without COVID-19. Clinical status was assessed using NYHA and EHRA classifications. Echocardiographic parameters, laboratory findings, rehospitalization rate, thromboembolic complications, and mortality were analyzed. Patients with prior COVID-19 demonstrated significantly higher rates of NYHA class IV (61.1% vs. 38.6%, p<0.05), reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (35±5% vs. 45±6%, p<0.01), increased D-dimer levels, and greater incidence of thromboembolic events (12.4% vs. 5.7%, p<0.05). Rehospitalization and decompensation episodes were also more frequent in the post-COVID group.The findings suggest that COVID-19 infection is associated with worsened cardiac remodeling, increased inflammatory and prothrombotic activity, and more severe clinical progression of CHF and AF in elderly patients. Post-COVID status should therefore be considered an independent aggravating factor in risk stratification and management strategies.
Chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, COVID-19, elderly patients, cardiac remodeling, thromboembolism, rehospitalization, inflammation.
Metadata source: the journal's OAI-PMH archive · Sindex does not store the full text; it links to the source.