Cardiac arrhythmias in viral infections

Background The current COVID-19 pandemic has led to many studies examining its arrhythmogenic effects. However, there are many other viruses that are capable of inducing arrhythmias that have not received as much attention. The objective of this study was to review common viruses and identify studies highlighting their arrhythmogenic effects. Methods and results In this review, we examined 15 viruses and the literature regarding their arrhythmogenic effects. The common mechanisms of action appear to be direct invasion of myocytes leading to immune mediated damage, infection of vascular endothelium, and alteration of cardiac ion channels. Conclusions This review highlights the growing evidence that supports the involvement of other viral infections in the development of arrhythmia. Physicians should be aware of these potentially life-threatening effects when caring for patients with these viruses, some of which are very common. Additional studies are required to better understand the complex mechanism and risk factors of cardiac arrhythmias in patients suffered from viral infections to determine whether the processes can be reversed or even prevented.