The impact of novel coronavirus infection on new-onset subclinical atrial fibrillation in patients with dual-chamber pacemaker implantation

Yin Rongrong; Han Zhihong; Zhao Hua; Lyu Lizhi; Li Gang; Ren Xuejun

doi:10.3760/j.issn.1673-4777.2025.04.003

Abstract：Objective To investigate the impact of novel coronavirus infection(COVID-19)on new-onset subclinical atrial fibrillation in patients with dual-chamber pacemaker implantation.Methods The clinical data of 420 patients who were implanted with permanent dual-chamber pacemaker for the first time in Beijing Anzhen Hospital,Capital Medical University from January 2016 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into infection group and non-infection group according to whether they were complicated with COVID-19.The follow-up data and the incidence of subclinical atrial fibrillation were compared between the two groups.Multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the independent risk factors for subclinical atrial fibrillation.Results A total of 395 of 420 patients completed 24.0(6.0,54.0)months of follow-up,including 323 patients in the infection group and 72 patients in the non-infection group.Three patients died during the follow-up,including one with renal failure and the other two with unknown causes,all of whom were complicated with COVID-19.The incidence of subclinical atrial fibrillation in the infection group was significantly higher than that in the non-infection group[16.7％(54/323)vs 6.9％(5/72)](P=0.035).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that COVID-19,longer RR interval(＞2 s)and enlarged left atrial diameter were independent risk factors for subclinical atrial fibrillation(all P＜0.05).Conclusion COVID-19,longer RR interval(＞2 s),and enlarged left atrial diameter are independent risk factors for subclinical atrial fibrillation in patients with permanent dual-chamber pacemaker implantation.