Hyperdynamic left ventricular ejection fraction is associated with higher mortality in COVID-19 patients

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with a hyperdynamic LVEF (HDLVEF) to those with a normal or reduced LVEF. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Rush University Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS: Of the 1682 adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19, 419 had a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) during admission and met study inclusion criteria. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were divided into reduced (LVEF < 50%), normal (≥50% and <70%), and hyperdynamic (≥70%) LVEF groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: LVEF was assessed as a predictor of 60-day mortality. Logistic regression was used to adjust for age and BMI. RESULTS: There was no difference in 60-day mortality between patients in the reduced LVEF and normal LVEF groups (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.87, p = 0.68). However, patients with an HDLVEF were more likely to die by 60 days compared to patients in the normal LVEF group (aOR 2.63 [CI: 1.36–5.05]; p < 0.01). The HDLVEF group was also at higher risk for 60-day mortality than the reduced LVEF group (aOR 3.34 [CI: 1.39–8.42]; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The presence of hyperdynamic LVEF during a COVID-19 hospitalization was associated with an increased risk of 60-day mortality, the requirement for mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, and intensive care unit.