Assessment of adherence to antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation during the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION: Despite epidemiological evidence linking COVID-19 with cardiovascular diseases, little is known about whether and how coronavirus infection (CVI) influences atrial fibrillation (AF), the most prevalent arrhythmia in clinical practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 621 patients with AF using the Morisky-Green scale (MMAS-4) criteria to assess adherence to antithrombotic therapy. They received inpatient treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS: A total of 118 patients out of 621 underwent CVI. Most patients had mild (33.9%) and moderate (49.15%) CVI. We managed to confirm the data of studies by foreign authors, according to which treatment with anticoagulants for at least 1 month reduces the severity of coronavirus infection, as well as protects against thrombotic complications.

CONCLUSION: It is necessary to improve the management of AF, especially if someone was infected with COVID-19. The susceptibility to AF is increased in the acute phase of COVID-19 infection. Personal electrocardiogram devices as well as remote monitoring (teleconsultations) could optimise the care of such patients.