Assessing 30-day readmissions and outcomes in acute heart failure patients with concurrent COVID-19: A nationwide study during the 2020 pandemic

Curr Probl Cardiol. 2024 Feb;49(2):102246. doi: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.102246. Epub 2023 Dec 2.

Abstract

Background: Acute heart failure (HF) is a significant cause of readmission and mortality, particularly within 30 days post-discharge. The interplay between COVID-19 and HF is still being studied.

Methods: This retrospective study utilized The National Readmission Database to examine outcomes and predictors among patients with COVID-19 and concomitant acute HF between January 1, 2020, and November 31, 2020. 53,336 index hospitalizations and 8,158 readmissions were included. The primary outcome was the 30-day all-cause readmission rate. Predictor variables included patient demographics, medical comorbidities and discharge disposition.

Results: The primary outcome was 21.2 %. COVID-19 infection was the most predominant all-cause reason for acute HF readmission (24.7 %). Hypertensive heart disease with chronic kidney disease was the most prevalent cardiac cause (7.7 %). Mortality rate during index hospitalization was significantly higher compared to readmission.

Conclusions: The highlighted prevalent complications, comorbidities, and demographics driving readmissions offer valuable insights to improve outcomes in this population.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aftercare
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Heart Failure* / epidemiology
  • Heart Failure* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Patient Discharge
  • Patient Readmission
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors