Electrolytes, Zinc and Vitamin D3 in COVID-19 Patients with Cardiovascular Complications.

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease, with direct myocardial injury and systemic inflammation as common mechanisms. Pre-existing or infection-induced cardiovascular disease worsens the outcomes for COVID-19 patients.

Materials and methods: To estimate the serum electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca⁺⁺, Zn) and vitamin D₃, the study depended on ichroma ii device for Vitamin D₃ and Chemistry Analyzer for electrolytes in patient samples.

Results: A study was conducted on 192 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, including 35 critical cases, 53 severe cases, 54 moderate cases, and 50 individuals in a control group. The age group with the highest prevalence of infection was between 50‒69 years, while the lowest prevalence was observed in those under 30 years. The study found significant decreases in calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc, and vitamin D₃ levels among COVID-19 patients compared to the control group. Zinc and vitamin D₃ levels showed a significant correlation with sex, with males experiencing a decline in zinc levels and females having lower vitamin D₃ levels. The concentration of calcium, sodium, and zinc showed a negative correlation with age, with older patients having the lowest levels. COVID-19 patients with chronic cardiac issues and high blood pressure exhibited the lowest levels of these markers. The severity of the disease also had a detrimental impact on electrolyte levels, zinc, and vitamin D₃, with critical cases showing the lowest levels. The complications such as heart failure were associated with lower levels of potassium, sodium, and zinc.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the study revealed significant associations between COVID-19 and decreased electrolyte levels, zinc, and vitamin D₃. Sex and age were found to be correlated with these markers. Patients with chronic cardiac issues and high blood pressure exhibited the lowest levels of these markers. The severity of the disease was also linked to lower electrolyte levels, zinc, and vitamin D₃. Complications such as heart failure were associated with decreased levels of potassium, sodium, and zinc.