Older Adults Hospitalized with Omicron COVID-19 Face Higher Cardiovascular and Mortality Risks Than Influenza Patients
A retrospective cohort study published in *Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes* reveals that older adults (aged 65 and older) hospitalized with COVID-19 during the Omicron era faced a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and mortality within one year compared to those hospitalized with influenza. The study analyzed Medicare fee-for-service claims data from over 1.1 million patients. While the risk of MACE and mortality was lower in the Omicron era compared to the pre-Omicron period of the pandemic, it remained significantly higher than for influenza patients. Specifically, Omicron was associated with a decreased risk for in-hospital mortality and certain cardiac events like cardiac arrest and atrial fibrillation compared to pre-Omicron, but an increased risk for in-hospital stroke or TIA and myocardial infarction (MI). Post-discharge, Omicron patients had a higher risk for all MACE outcomes compared to both pre-Omicron COVID-19 and influenza patients. 
