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The effect of COVID-19 on cardiovascular function and exercise tolerance in healthy middle-age and older individuals

Sophie L Russell1, Nduka C Okwose1, Mushidur Rahman1

  • 1Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine Theme, Research Centre for Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK.

Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal : SCJ
|February 14, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Individuals with a history of COVID-19 show reduced exercise tolerance and impaired cardiac function response during exercise. This study highlights potential long-term cardiovascular impacts of the infection in middle-aged and older adults.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Infectious Disease Research

Background:

  • Cardiovascular complications are a known concern following COVID-19 infection.
  • The long-term effects on cardiovascular function, particularly during exercise, in middle-aged and older adults require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of a prior COVID-19 infection on the cardiovascular system at rest and during exercise.
  • To compare cardiovascular parameters between individuals with and without a history of COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 124 participants (84 with COVID-19 history, 40 without).
  • Non-invasive assessments included pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (Alx), and hemodynamic function (cardiac index (CI), stroke volume index (SVI), heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP)) at rest.
  • Cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing with gas exchange and hemodynamic measurements was performed.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences were observed in resting arterial or hemodynamic function between groups.
  • Participants with a history of COVID-19 exhibited lower oxygen consumption at anaerobic threshold (p=0.034).
  • Reduced peak cardiac index (p=0.040) and peak stroke volume index (p=0.028) were noted in the COVID-19 group during exercise.

Conclusions:

  • Prior COVID-19 infection is associated with reduced exercise tolerance in middle-aged and older adults.
  • Individuals with a history of COVID-19 show an impaired cardiac response to exercise, even without resting abnormalities.
  • These findings suggest potential persistent cardiovascular sequelae of COVID-19 affecting exercise capacity.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19anaerobic thresholdarterial functioncardiovascular functionexercise toleranceoxygen consumptionarterial stiffness

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