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

• Grant number: 22/11181-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2023
• End date: October 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Hugo Celso Dutra de Souza
• Grantee: Anna Julia de Lima Landucci
• 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: 90 normotensive men (35 to 55 years old) who had COVID-19 for more than 6 months will be divided into three groups (N=30); group affected by COVID-19 and who had severe complications and low O2 saturation; group affected by COVID-19 who had mild symptoms; and asymptomatic group. All groups will be submitted to the following experimental procedures: anthropometry; recording of hemodynamic parameters; analysis of spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity; and analysis of heart rate and blood pressure variability.