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Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in "Long COVID": pathophysiology, heart rate variability, and inflammatory

Karina Carvalho Marques1, Juarez Antônio Simões Quaresma1,2,3, Luiz Fábio Magno Falcão1,2

  • 1Center for Biological Health Sciences, State University of Pará (UEPA), Belém, Brazil.

Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
|September 18, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Long COVID patients often have cardiovascular autonomic imbalances, or dysautonomia. Research suggests this may stem from autoimmune issues and inflammation, impacting heart rate variability.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Long COVID presents with persistent symptoms beyond acute infection.
  • Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction (dysautonomia) is a common complication.
  • Underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the mechanisms of cardiovascular autonomic imbalance in Long COVID.
  • To investigate the role of immunological and inflammatory factors.
  • To assess the utility of heart rate variability and inflammatory markers.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current hypotheses including neurotropism, cytokine storms, and inflammation.
  • Analysis of immunological factors suggesting autoimmune dysfunction.
  • Assessment of heart rate variability (HRV) as a measure of autonomic function.
  • Examination of biochemical inflammatory markers.

Main Results:

  • Autonomic imbalances in Long COVID can manifest as reduced heart rate variability.
  • Impaired vagal activity and sympathovagal imbalance are observed.
  • Immunological factors may identify individuals at higher risk.
  • Inflammatory markers provide insights into autonomic nervous system effects.

Conclusions:

  • Dysautonomia is a significant issue in Long COVID.
  • Inflammation and potential autoimmune processes contribute to autonomic dysfunction.
  • HRV and inflammatory markers are valuable tools for assessment and understanding.
  • Further research is crucial to elucidate long-term cardiovascular risks.

Keywords:
Long COVIDautonomic diseasesautonomic nervous systemheart rate variabilityinflammationpathophysiology

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