Manifestations of a New Coronavirus Infection in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases Undergoing Outpatient Treatment

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 virus, which induces COVID-19, not only affects the lungs, but also negatively affects the cardiovascular system, causing decompensation of the existing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). AIM: Тo find out the peculiarities of the course and treatment of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19 in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was conducted among patients with CVD undergoing outpatient treatment for COVID-19. A special questionnaire was developed containing 48 questions about the symptoms of COVID-19 and the prescribed therapy. The respondents were ill with a new coronavirus infection between August 2020 and January 2021. The survey involved 54 patients aged 43–82 years, among them 36 (66.7%) women and 18 (33.3%) men. Patients of age groups 61–70 years and 51–60 years prevailed (33.3% and 29.6%, respectively). The respondents had the following CVD: arterial hypertension — 54 (100%) and coronary heart disease (exertion angina) — 16 (29.6%). RESULTS. COVID-19 was manifested by cough — in 32 (59.3%) patients, shortness of breath — in 34 (63%). There was marked weakness (44 (81.5%)), limitation of physical activity (48 (88.9%)). Of the skin manifestations, patients described itching (14 (25.9%)). Myalgia was present in 40 (74.1%) patients and joint pain — in 36 (66.7%). Of the classic manifestations of COVID-19 infection, 34 (40.7%) and 22 (50%) patients had reduction or loss of olfaction and gustatory sensations. On the part of the gastrointestinal tract, the following symptoms were present: lack of appetite (6 (11.1%)), nausea (6 (11.1%)) and diarrhea (2 (3.7%)). Neurological manifestations of COVID-19, such as episodes of dizziness, disorientation in space and time, and feelings of fear and anxiety, were observed in 38 (70.6%) respondents. There were also unusual manifestations of the disease: increased blood pressure, decreased blood pressure, weakness in the legs, disorders in urination, ring-shaped granuloma, conjunctivitis, tickling in throat. Treatment: most patients with mild and moderate course of the disease took drugs that are not specified in the recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation for COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients with CVD had manifestations of COVID-19 on the part of the respiratory, musculoskeletal systems, as well as neurological manifestations of the disease. Skin manifestations and manifestations on the part of the gastrointestinal tract were present only in a small part of the respondents.