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People with Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Exhibit Similarly Impaired Vascular

Marie Mclaughlin1, Nilihan E M Sanal-Hayes2, Lawrence D Hayes3

  • 1Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom; School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull, United Kingdom.

The American Journal of Medicine
|October 13, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Individuals with long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) show similar impaired endothelial function. This suggests vascular involvement and increased cardiovascular risk in both post-viral conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Post-Viral Syndromes
  • Endothelial Function

Background:

  • Long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are complex post-viral conditions with overlapping symptoms.
  • Understanding the underlying pathophysiology, particularly vascular involvement, is crucial for effective clinical management and improving long-term health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in individuals with long COVID, ME/CFS, and healthy controls.
  • To assess potential vascular dysfunction and its implications for these patient groups.

Main Methods:

  • A case-case-control study involving 51 participants (17 long COVID, 17 ME/CFS, 17 healthy controls).
  • Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) measurements of brachial artery diameter were obtained and analyzed using 1-way ANOVA.

Main Results:

  • Both long COVID and ME/CFS groups exhibited significantly impaired endothelial function compared to healthy controls (FMD values: 6.99% and 6.60% vs 11.30%, P < .05).
  • No significant difference in FMD was observed between long COVID and ME/CFS groups (P = .949).
  • ME/CFS patients had a significantly longer illness duration (16 years) than long COVID patients (1.36 years) (P < .0001).

Conclusions:

  • Long COVID and ME/CFS share similarly impaired endothelial function, suggesting common vascular mechanisms in post-viral syndromes.
  • Reduced FMD indicates potential increased cardiovascular risk, necessitating monitoring and targeted interventions for endothelial health.
Abstract

Keywords:
Chronic fatigue syndromeFlow-mediated dilationLong COVIDMyalgic encephalomyelitis

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