The clinical implications of sinus tachycardia in mild COVID-19 infection: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to estimate the prevalence of sinus tachycardia in hospitalized patients with mild COVID-19 infection and to identify the clinical, radiological, and biological characteristics associated with sinus tachycardia. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with mild COVID-19 infection and sinus tachycardia during hospitalization. Outcomes measured included incidences of venous thromboembolism, high-dependency/intensive care unit admission, laboratory parameters, and radiological findings. RESULTS: A total of 236 COVID-19 positive patients admitted to Singapore General Hospital isolation general wards from 1 June 2020 to 30 June 2020 were included in this study. Ninety-seven (41.1%) patients had sinus tachycardia on or during their admission. All patients were monitored in general wards and discharged to community quarantine facilities. None required oxygen support or high-dependency/intensive care unit admission. Sinus tachycardia was associated with increased C-reactive protein level (odds ratio = 1.033, 95% confidence interval = 1.002–1.066), abnormal chest X-ray findings (odds ratio = 3.142, 95% confidence interval = 1.390–7.104), and longer hospitalization (odds ratio = 1.117, 95% confidence interval = 1.010–1.236). There was no significant statistical association between sinus tachycardia and incidences of venous thromboembolism. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that patients with mild COVID-19 infection and concurrent sinus tachycardia are more likely to have higher inflammatory marker levels, abnormal imaging, and prolonged hospitalization. However, no significant association between sinus tachycardia and thromboembolism is identified in mild COVID-19 infection.