Complete Heart Block with SARS-COV-2 Infection Inducing Permanent Pacing: a Case Report from a Tertiary Private Hospital In Tanzania

There is an increased risk of cardiac complications in COVID-19 among patients with pre-existing comorbidities due to their existing pro-inflammatory status. The manifestation of complete heart block has been evidenced as transient and in no need of intervention. This case presents a previously healthy woman who was diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection and complete heart block; she underwent permanent dual-chamber pacemaker implantation after successful treatment and a negative COVID-19 test. She was then discharged from the hospital with an uneventful follow-up. Persistence of complete heart block symptoms post-COVID-19 resolution and the need for permanent pacing indicate a potential association between COVID-19 and complete heart block. Healthcare workers should consider electrographic examination in the initial assessment of suspected COVID-19 cases, even among those with no pre-existing conditions. This report highlights the need for further research to explore the relationship between COVID-19 and complete heart block.