2026/02/01 by Amir Reza Boskabadi, Hoorak Poorzand, Ali Vaezi +3 · 1 voice · 1 citation
Medicine · #Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 #COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies #Respiratory and Cough-Related Research
paper · pdf · doi:10.1002/joa3.70278
ABSTRACT Background COVID‐19 infection can cause significant long‐term health problems for patients. While there is no universally accepted definition for long COVID, it is usually identified by persistent symptoms that extend past 4 weeks after the initial SARS‐CoV‐2 infection with no other explanation. The cardiovascular system is one of the most important systems involved in long COVID, and even asymptomatic patients have evidence of cardiovascular injury after COVID‐19. This study aims to determine the long‐term risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Methods A comprehensive systematic search on Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science databases was performed on August 24th, 2025. Cohort articles consisting of a healthy control group with no history of COVID‐19 infection and individuals who recovered from COVID‐19 for at least 30 days were included. Hazard Ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using random‐effect models. Results Fourteen studies were eligible for the meta‐analysis. The overall arrhythmia risk was higher in patients with long COVID (HR: 1.74, 95% CI [1.39, 2.10], I 2 = 99.65%). Specific arrhythmias examined included atrial fibrillation (HR: 1.49, 95% CI [1.24, 1.73], I 2 = 98.57%), sinus tachycardia (HR: 1.69, 95% CI [1.21, 2.18], I 2 = 99.51%), sinus bradycardia (HR: 1.58, 95% CI [1.50, 1.66], I 2 = 65.80%), and ventricular arrhythmias (HR: 1.72, 95% CI [1.48, 1.95], I 2 = 96.89%). Patients with a more severe initial infection were at a higher risk of developing arrhythmias. Conclusions The risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias is increased after COVID‐19 infection in the long term.