COVID-19 impairs artery flow-mediated dilation, increases systolic blood pressure and arterial stiffness in young adults
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 29, 2024 3 months, 1 day, 2 hours, 37 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: Long-term Vascular Effects of COVID-19
COVID-19, the global pandemic that has affected millions worldwide, continues to reveal its long-term impacts on various aspects of health. Recent research has shown that the virus doesn't just affect the respiratory system; it also has significant and lasting effects on the cardiovascular system, particularly in young, healthy individuals. This
COVID-19 News report delves into a study that examines how COVID-19 affects arterial stiffness, endothelial function, and blood pressure in college students.
COVID-19 impairs artery flow-mediated dilation, increases systolic blood pressure and
arterial stiffness of young adults
The Study
Researchers from Guangzhou Sport University in China and other institutions conducted a study to assess the long-term impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular health. They focused on college students, a group typically considered to be at lower risk for severe COVID-19 complications. The study involved 37 college students who had been infected with COVID-19 for more than two months. Researchers measured various cardiovascular health indicators both before and after infection to understand the virus's lingering effects.
Key Findings
The study found significant changes in several cardiovascular health metrics in the months following COVID-19 infection:
-Endothelial Function: The ability of blood vessels to dilate, measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), was significantly impaired in the students after COVID-19 infection. The median FMD dropped from 11.2% before infection to 10.8% after infection, indicating a deterioration in vascular function.
-Arterial Stiffness: The study measured arterial stiffness using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and found a significant increase from 5.86 m/s before infection to 6.30 m/s after infection. This increase suggests that the arteries became stiffer post-infection.
-Blood Pressure: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) also showed a notable increase, rising from an average of 107 mmHg before infection to 110 mmHg after infection. Although the increase in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was not statistically significant, there was a trend towards higher DBP post-infection.
Implications for Young Adults
These findings suggest that even in young, otherwise healthy individuals, COVID-19 can cause lasting damage to the cardiovascular system. The impairment in endothelial function and increased arterial stiffness are concerning, as they are indicators of potential long-term cardiovascular issues.
Detailed Analysis
The researchers used a combination of pre- and post-infection measurements to draw their conclusions. They employed non-invasive methods to assess vascular health, ensuring accurate and reliable resu
lts. The FMD test, which measures the dilation of the brachial artery, provided insights into the endothelial function. Meanwhile, the pulse wave velocity tests offered a clear picture of arterial stiffness, and blood pressure measurements indicated changes in cardiovascular stress.
Variations Over Time
Interestingly, the study also looked at how these effects varied over time. They found that arterial stiffness tended to improve as more time passed since the infection, indicating some level of recovery. However, blood pressure showed a tendency to increase over time, suggesting that some effects might worsen as the body continues to respond to the aftermath of the virus.
Conclusion
This study highlights the importance of monitoring cardiovascular health in individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, even if they are young and were not severely ill. The long-term effects on arterial stiffness, endothelial function, and blood pressure can pose significant health risks if not addressed.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: BMC Infectious Diseases.
https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-024-09646-w
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-causes-vascular-alterations-in-various-parts-of-the-body
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/must-read-covid-19-is-nothing-but-a-microvascular-and-endothelial-disease-that-kills-fast-or-slowly-depending-on-the-human-host-health-status
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