COVID-19 and cardiovascular system: not only heart but also vascular. The effects of the infection on arterial stiffness. (3rd October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maloberti, A; Gualini, E; Scarpellini, S; Algeri, M; Biolcati, M; Grasso, E; Tognola, C; Moreo, A
• Is Part Of: European heart journal. Volume 43(2022)Supplement 2
• Publication Date: 2022-10-03
• Subjects: Cardiology -- Periodicals; Heart -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.12005
• DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.1953
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-668X

Abstract

Abstract: Background: SARS-CoV-2 determines a framework of multi-organ dysfunction that can involve the cardiovascular system creating damages of different nature. Among these, endothelial damage could play a key role in increasing arterial stiffness and thus the cardiovascular risk of infected patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) of a population of patients after recovery from infection and to compare them with those of a group affected by arterial hypertension. Methods: This prospective observational monocentric study involved 143 patients with previous diagnosis of Covid-19 who undergone PWV measurement during the follow-up at a median time of 3.8 months after the infection. These patients were compared to a population of 143 patients with hypertension matched by age, sex, Systolic Blood Pressure values and Body Mass Index. Results: PWV values were higher in Covid-19 group comparing to hypertension group (10.5±3.0 m/s VS 8.9±2.5 m/s). Furthermore, there is a correlation between higher PWV values and lower values of SpO2% at time of admission at the Emergency Department. (R=−0.302; p<0.001). Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection seems related to increased PWV values. Moreover, higher arterial stiffness seems correlated to a worse oxygen saturation in Emergency Department. More studies with longer follow-up time are necessary to establish whether the vascular damage is reversible and whether it correlates with an increase of long-term cardiovascular risk. Funding Acknowledgement: Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy