Impact of long COVID on the heart rate variability at rest and during deep breathing maneuver

Author(s)

da Silva, Andrea Lucia Goncalves ; Vieira, Luana dos Passos ; Dias, Luiza Scheffer ; Prestes, Cecilia Vieira ; Back, Guilherme Dionir ; Goulart, Cassia da Luz ; Arena, Ross ; Borghi-Silva, Audrey ; Trimer, Renata

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 13, n. 1, p. 7-pg., 2023-12-20.

Abstract

While the majority of individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recover completely, a significant percentage experience persistent symptom, which has been characterized as Long COVID and may be associated with cardiac and autonomic dysfunction. We evaluated heart rate variability (HRV) at rest and during deep-breathing (M-RSA) in patients with Long COVID. Case-control design involved 21 patients with Long COVID and 20 controls; the HRV was evaluated (POLAR system) at rest in the supine position and during M-RSA and expressed in time domain and non-linear analysis. In the supine position we found a reduction HRV measures in Long COVID' patients compared to controls for: Mean_iRR (p < 0.001), STD_iRR (p < 0.001); STD_HR (p < 0.001); SD1 (p < 0.001); SD2 (p < 0.001); alpha2 (p < 0.001). In the M-RSA we found reduction Mean_iRR (p < 0.001), STD_iRR (p < 0.001), STD_HR (p < 0.001), rMSSD (p < 0.001), RR_tri-index (p < 0.001) in Long COVID' patients except for highest Mean_HR p < 0.001. In conclusion, Long COVID reduced HRV at rest and during deep breathing. These findings may imply impairment of cardiac autonomic control when symptoms of COVID-19 persist following initial recovery. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/15726-0 - Evaluation of pulmonary and endothelial function, autonomic cardiac control and its relation to the exercise capacity in surviving patients of COVID-19: a segment study
• Grantee: Guilherme Dionir Back
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 15/26501-1 - Study of limiting factors to physical exercise and adjunct effects to rehabilitation on cardiorespiratory disease: a multicentre approach
• Grantee: Audrey Borghi Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants