# Association Between Baseline Echocardiographic Parameters and Acute Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection in Hospitalized Patients

## TL;DR

This study found that certain heart-related measurements are linked to a higher risk of getting COVID-19 in hospitalized patients.

## Contribution

The study identifies baseline echocardiographic parameters as independent risk factors for acute COVID-19 infection.

## Key findings

- Patients with COVID-19 had lower LVEF and higher A-wave velocity compared to those without infection.
- LVEF and A-wave velocity were independent risk factors for COVID-19 infection.
- Echocardiographic parameters did not change significantly during a one-month follow-up.

## Abstract

Background

The current study aimed to examine the association between baseline clinical and echocardiographic parameters with new-onset coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.

Methodology

We retrospectively enrolled consecutive hospitalized patients from our center during the national outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Overall, 100 patients were enrolled, including 38 patients with COVID-19 infection.

Results

Compared with those without infection, patients with COVID-19 infection were more likely male (63.2% vs. 35.5%, p = 0.008), were older (59.08 vs. 52.35 years, p = 0.022), had higher heart failure (31.6% vs. 11.3%, p = 0.018) and hypertension (52.6% vs. 30.6%, p = 0.036) rates, had lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (61.16% vs. 65.76%, p = 0.018), had higher A-wave velocity (86.84 vs. 73.63 cm/s, p = 0.003), and had and lower E/A ratio (0.85 vs 1.04, p = 0.015). On univariate and multivariate analysis, baseline echocardiographic parameters (LVEF and A-wave velocity) were independent risk factors for COVID-19 infection. There were no significant changes in echocardiographic parameters during the one-month follow-up period in patients infected and not infected with COVID-19.

Conclusions

In conclusion, baseline echocardiographic parameters were significantly associated with acute COVID-19 infection.