Changes in Mental and Physical Status and Potential Treatment for Patients with Post-COVID-19 Chronic Heart Failure

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus infection can negatively impact the mental and physical status of patients with chronic heart failure, exacerbating anxiety and depressive symptoms. These changes should be recognized and addressed promptly. AIM: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the mental and physical status of patients with chronic heart failure who were eligible for treatment in primary care settings. METHODS: The study included patients with chronic heart failure of various origins with or without a history of COVID-19. The physical and mental health of all patients was evaluated using three scales: the Sheehan Patient-Rated Anxiety Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale. Eligible patients with COVID-19 were prescribed sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant, based on results of a psychometric evaluation. RESULTS: Sertraline is shown to significantly improve anxiety disorder, particularly severe cases, in patients with chronic heart failure who have recovered from COVID-19. Sertraline was found to be even more clinically effective in the treatment of depression; it improved depressive symptoms in all study groups. Sertraline was found to affect cardiovascular parameters in patients with chronic heart failure after COVID-19. Sertraline decreased heart rate, thereby improving the course of chronic heart failure. In addition, the ejection fraction remained virtually unchanged in the short term, which indicates the efficacy and safety of sertraline. This supports the recommendation to add sertraline to the combined therapy for this patient group. CONCLUSION: The study confirms the significant impact of COVID-19 on the physical and mental status of patients with chronic heart failure. However, the agents used to treat these conditions may affect the cardiovascular system. Patients require a comprehensive treatment strategy that includes support for mental and physical health.