RISK FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 DURING THE FIRST WAVE OF COVID-19

Abstract

The first registered case of COVID-19 in Bulgaria was reported on March 8, 2020. Following the initial manifestation of pulmonary disease and the declaration of an epidemic emergency situation, admissions of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) were significantly reduced. During the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increased incidence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was observed among patients with newly diagnosed or recently recovered COVID-19 infection. Evidence emerged in the international literature regarding the influence of SARS-CoV-2 on ACE2 receptors and the induction of a systemic inflammatory process in the body. Considering the current concept of atherosclerosis and the role of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors, researchers focused their attention on the impact of COVID-19 on atherosclerotic plaque instability and the accelerated progression of ACS. In our follow-up study, the major risk factors for the development of ACS were investigated among patients hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology at University Hospital "Dr Georgi Stranski", Pleven, Bulgaria. Based on the analysis of the obtained results, a risk stratification model for patients with ACS and COVID-19 infection was developed.