The changing landscape of cardiac co-morbidities and in-hospital cardiac complications mediating Covid-19 mortality between 2020 and 2021.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac co-morbidities and in-hospital cardiac complications significantly contribute to COVID-19 mortality. However, their influence on mortality between 2021 and 2020 may differ due to the availability of vaccines, different viral strains, and therapeutic advancements.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review and individual patient analysis of all COVID-19 associated in-patient deaths in 2020 ( n  = 346) and 2021( n  = 527) in a large Minneapolis health system. Cause of death was adjudicated by at least two health care providers, including one cardiologist.

RESULTS: Patients who died in 2021 were younger, of similar race/ethnicity, and body mass index compared to 2020. In 2021, 24 % of the cohort was full or partially vaccinated, while none were vaccinated in 2020. Patients who died in 2021 had significantly fewer cardiovascular co-morbidities and major adverse cardiovascular events prior to COVID-19 infection, resulting in significantly fewer in-hospital cardiac adverse events compared to patients who died in 2020, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and atrial fibrillation. In contrast, patients in 2021 had significantly higher rates of venous thromboembolic events.

CONCLUSION: Patients who died from COVID-19 in 2021 had significantly fewer cardiovascular co-morbidities and in-hospital cardiovascular complications compared to patients who died in 2020. Sixteen percent of patients stipulated as dying from COVID-19 actually die from other causes.