SARS-CoV-2 and late effects on cardiovascular autonomic parameters

• Grant number: 22/02006-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: November 01, 2022
• End date: March 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Hugo Celso Dutra de Souza
• Grantee: Ana Catarine da Veiga Oliveira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome due to Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), better known as COVID-19, causes systemic inflammation, with different levels of severity and secondary and late onset. Among the possible outcomes, it is suspected the occurrence of autonomic impairments, which may affect cardiovascular homeostasis, increase susceptibility to development or worsening of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the aim of the study is to investigate the late effects on cardiovascular autonomic parameters, with an emphasis on cardiovascular autonomic modulation and baroreflex sensitivity. Methods: 100 men (35 to 45 years old) not belonging to any risk groups, were distributed in four groups: group affected at least six months prior by COVID-19 and who had presented classic symptoms and low oxygen (O2) saturation, and got admitted in a hospital ward (N = 25); group affected at least six months prior by COVID-19, which had presented symptoms, but with normal O2 saturation, but no need for hospitalization (N = 25); group affected for more than six months by COVID-19, which only had mild symptoms (N = 25); and control/asymptomatic group (N = 25). All groups will be included in the following experimental procedures: anthropometry, recording of hemodynamic parameters, assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness using cardiopulmonary test; analysis of heart rate and blood pressure variability and assessment of spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity. According to the proposal, our hypothesis is that SARS-CoV-2 may have late repercussions on cardiovascular autonomic control in previously healthy individuals.