Cardiac Autonomic Function and Functional Capacity in Post-COVID-19 Individuals with Systemic Arterial Hypertension

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pulmonology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is a risk factor for severe COVID-19.
• Understanding the long-term effects of COVID-19 on cardiovascular health in SAH patients is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare cardiac autonomic function (CAF) and functional capacity (FC) between SAH individuals with and without a history of COVID-19.
• To investigate the impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive patients.

Main Methods:

• 40 SAH individuals were divided into two groups: SAH with COVID-19 (G1) and SAH without COVID-19 (G2).
• Cardiac autonomic function was assessed using heart rate variability (HRV) via symbolic analysis of R-R intervals.
• Functional capacity was evaluated using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT).

Main Results:

• No significant differences in age, anthropometrics, clinical presentation, or medication were found between groups.
• SAH individuals post-COVID-19 (G1) had significantly lower 6MWT performance (465m) compared to controls (G2, 522m).
• No significant impairment in HRV-based CAF was observed in the post-COVID-19 group.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 infection appears to reduce functional capacity in individuals with systemic arterial hypertension.
• Cardiac autonomic function remains relatively preserved in SAH individuals following COVID-19 infection.
• Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and long-term implications.