Characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 infection among patients with a history of coronary artery: Results from TASC GP study

INTRODUCTION: Among patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), coronary artery disease (CAD) has been identified as a high-risk condition. The TASC GP study (Tunisian Anticoagulation Survey in COVID-19 patient General Practice experience) is an observational, multicenter survey in ambulatory patients with COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this sub study was to assess the clinical characteristics and outcomes among patients with COVID-19 and a history of CAD. METHOD: We examined between July 2021 and October 2021 ambulatory patients with COVID-19. Baseline characteristics and mortality rates were compared between those with history of CAD and those without history of CAD. CAD was defined as a history of prior percutaneous coronary intervention, prior coronary artery bypass grafting or CAD that was being medically treated. RESULTS: The study population included 3412 ambulatory patients with COVID-19. History of CAD was reported in 158 patients (4.6%). Patients with CAD were older 66.6 ± 11.2 years vs. 51 ± 15.4 years (P < 0.001), had more hypertension 84% vs. 28% (P < 0.001), diabetes 63% vs. 21% (P < 0.001) and heart failure (40% vs. 1.8% P < 0.001) and they had more severe forms of COVID-19 (19% vs. 7.1%; P < 0.001) and lower saturation of oxygen (93.7 ± 4% vs. 95.6 ± 2.9% P < 0.001) with a higher prevalence of use of oxygen therapy (48.9% vs. 20%). They had higher inflammatory markers (white blood counts 19,434 elts/mm(3) vs. 12,096 elts/mm(3); CRP 74.1 ± 64.3 mg/L vs. 50.8 ± 93.1 mg/L). Mortality rate was higher among patients with history of CAD (7.2% vs. 1.1%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with COVID-19 and a history of CAD have a higher risk of mortality, which can be attributable to the age and comorbidities.