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Goldstein DS. Post-COVID dysautonomias: what we know and (mainly) what we don't know. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:99-113. [PMID: 38212633 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00917-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Following on from the COVID-19 pandemic is another worldwide public health challenge that is referred to variously as long COVID, post-COVID syndrome or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). PASC comes in many forms and affects all body organs. This heterogeneous presentation suggests involvement of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which has numerous roles in the maintenance of homeostasis and coordination of responses to various stressors. Thus far, studies of ANS dysregulation in people with PASC have been largely observational and descriptive, based on symptom inventories or objective but indirect measures of cardiovascular function, and have paid little attention to the adrenomedullary, hormonal and enteric nervous components of the ANS. Such investigations do not consider the syndromic nature of autonomic dysfunction. This Review provides an update on the literature relating to ANS abnormalities in people with post-COVID syndrome and presents a theoretical perspective on how the ANS might participate in common features of PASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Goldstein
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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2
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Podzolkov V, Bragina A, Tarzimanova A, Vasilyeva L, Shvedov I, Druzhinina N, Rodionova Y, Ishina T, Akyol I, Maximova V, Cherepanov A. Association of COVID-19 and Arterial Stiffness Assessed using Cardiovascular Index (CAVI). Curr Hypertens Rev 2024; 20:44-51. [PMID: 38258773 PMCID: PMC11092554 DOI: 10.2174/0115734021279173240110095037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 is characterized by an acute inflammatory response with the formation of endothelial dysfunction and may affect arterial stiffness. Studies of cardio-ankle vascular index in COVID-19 patients with considered cardiovascular risk factors have not been conducted. OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to assess the association between cardio-ankle vascular index and COVID-19 in hospitalized patients adjusted for known cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS A cross-sectional study included 174 people hospitalized with a diagnosis of moderate COVID-19 and 94 people without COVID-19. Significant differences in the cardio-ankle vascular index values measured by VaSera VS - 1500N between the two groups were analyzed using parametric (Student's t-criterion) and nonparametric (Mann-Whitney) criteria. Independent association between COVID-19 and an increased cardio-ankle vascular index ≥ 9.0 adjusted for known cardiovascular risk factors was assessed by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS There were significantly higher values of the right cardio-ankle vascular index 8.10 [7.00;9.40] and the left cardio-ankle vascular index 8.10 [6.95;9.65] in patients undergoing inpatient treatment for COVID-19 than in the control group - 7.55 [6.60;8.60] and 7.60 [6.60;8.70], respectively. A multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for age, hypertension, plasma glucose level, glomerular filtration rate and diabetes mellitus showed a significant association between increased cardio-ankle vascular index and COVID-19 (OR 2.41 [CI 1.09;5.30]). CONCLUSION Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 had significantly higher cardio-ankle vascular index values compared to the control group. An association between an increased cardio-ankle vascular index and COVID-19 was revealed, independent of age, hypertension, plasma glucose level, glomerular filtration rate and diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valery Podzolkov
- Department of Faculty Therapy No. 2, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Bragina
- Department of Faculty Therapy No. 2, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Aida Tarzimanova
- Department of Faculty Therapy No. 2, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Lyubov Vasilyeva
- Department of Faculty Therapy No. 2, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya Shvedov
- Department of Faculty Therapy No. 2, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalya Druzhinina
- Department of Faculty Therapy No. 2, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia Rodionova
- Department of Faculty Therapy No. 2, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana Ishina
- Department of Faculty Therapy No. 2, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Iuliia Akyol
- Department of Faculty Therapy No. 2, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Valentina Maximova
- Department of Faculty Therapy No. 2, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandr Cherepanov
- Department of Faculty Therapy No. 2, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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Schellenberg J, Matits L, Bizjak DA, Kersten J, Kirsten J, Vollrath S, Steinacker JM. Assessment of myocardial function and cardiac performance using left ventricular global longitudinal strain in athletes after COVID-19: a follow-up study. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1240278. [PMID: 37876776 PMCID: PMC10591089 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1240278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It has not yet been conclusively determined whether reduced left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) after COVID-19 contributes to a reduction in exercise capacity. Our own studies showed a possible mild myocardial involvement in the form of reduced LV GLS in athletes after COVID-19 compared with healthy athletes. The aims of this prospective follow-up study were to investigate the development of LV GLS over a 3-month period in athletes after COVID-19 and the possible relationship between LV GLS and physical performance. Methods LV GLS was determined in four-, two-, and three-chamber views and assessed offline by a blinded investigator in 96 recreational athletes (mean age 33.15 ± 12.40 years, 53 male, peak VO2 38.82 ± 11.14 ml/min/kg) at a median of two (t0) and five months (t1) after COVID-19. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was performed on a bicycle ergometer on both examination dates. Results LV GLS improved significantly between t0 and t1 (t0 -18.82 ± 2.02 vs. t1 -19.46 ± 2.05, p < 0.001). Echocardiographic and spiroergometric parameters were within the normal clinical reference range. Maximum power increased significantly from t0 to t1 (t0 283.17 ± 83.20 vs. t1 286.24 ± 85.22 Watt, p = 0.009) and there was a trend toward increased peak oxygen uptake (t0 36.82 ± 11.14 vs. t1 38.68 ± 10.26 ml/min/kg, p = 0.069). We found no correlation between LV GLS and performance parameters, except for the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) [ρ -0.316, (-0.501; -0.102), p < 0.050]. Conclusions Significant improvement in LV GLS approximately five months after COVID-19 may be due to mild myocardial involvement during or shortly after COVID-19, which seems to recover. There was no correlation between LV GLS and performance parameters, except for an inverse correlation of LV GLS and RER, suggesting insufficient exercise intolerance at lower GLS values. Further studies on the development of GLS in athletes or in the general population with moderate and severe disease courses would be informative as well as the comparison of pre-COVID-19 with post-COVID-19 echocardiography to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on cardiac function.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Schellenberg
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Ulm Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - L. Matits
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Ulm Hospital, Ulm, Germany
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - D. A. Bizjak
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Ulm Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - J. Kersten
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Ulm Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - J. Kirsten
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Ulm Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - S. Vollrath
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Ulm Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - J. M. Steinacker
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Ulm Hospital, Ulm, Germany
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Jannasz I, Pruc M, Rahnama-Hezavah M, Targowski T, Olszewski R, Feduniw S, Petryka K, Szarpak L. The Impact of COVID-19 on Carotid-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5747. [PMID: 37685813 PMCID: PMC10488425 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a complex multisystemic disease that can result in long-term complications and, in severe cases, death. This study investigated the effect of COVID-19 on carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) as a measurement to evaluate its impact on arterial stiffness and might help predict COVID-19-related cardiovascular (CV) complications. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies, and meta-analysis was performed. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (nr. CRD42023434326). The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. Nine studies reported cfPWV among COVID-19 patients and control groups. The pooled analysis showed that cfPWV in COVID-19 patients was 9.5 ± 3.7, compared to 8.2 ± 2.2 in control groups (MD = 1.32; 95% CI: 0.38-2.26; p = 0.006). A strong association between COVID-19 infection and increased cfPWV suggests a potential link between the virus and increased arterial stiffness. A marked increase in arterial stiffness, a known indicator of CV risk, clearly illustrates the cardiovascular implications of COVID-19 infection. However, further research is required to provide a clearer understanding of the connection between COVID-19 infection, arterial compliance, and subsequent CV events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Jannasz
- Department of Geriatrics, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal Pruc
- Research Unit, Polish Society of Disaster Medicine, 05-806 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Public Health, International Academy of Ecology and Medicine, 02-091 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Mansur Rahnama-Hezavah
- Chair and Department of Oral Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Targowski
- Department of Geriatrics, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert Olszewski
- Department of Gerontology, Public Health and Education, National Institute of Geriatrics Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Stepan Feduniw
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Lukasz Szarpak
- Henry JN Taub Department of Emergency Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Institute of Outcomes Research, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Medical Academy in Warsaw, 00-136 Warsaw, Poland
- Research Unit, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Bialystok Oncology Center, 15-027 Bialystok, Poland
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Đogaš T, Novak I, Babić M, Vučković M, Tandara L, Radić J. Associations of Serum Calprotectin, Arterial Stiffness and Long COVID Symptoms in Dalmatian Kidney Transplant Recipients. Viruses 2023; 15:1776. [PMID: 37632118 PMCID: PMC10458603 DOI: 10.3390/v15081776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to explore long COVID symptoms, serum calprotectin levels, and the parameters of arterial stiffness in Dalmatian kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) and their possible associations. A cross-sectional, single-center case-control study on 98 KTRs who had recovered from COVID-19 was performed. Long COVID symptoms were explored via standardized questionnaires assessing quality of life, and serum calprotectin was also measured. Out of 98 KTRs with a mean age of 62 years, 63 (64.3%) were men. Medical history, clinical and laboratory parameters, and arterial stiffness measurements were obtained for each study participant. Difficulties with mobility were present in 44.3% of the KTRs, while difficulties with self-care were present in 6.2%, difficulties with usual activities were demonstrated by 35.1%, pain in the extremities was present in 52.5%, and anxiety and depression were present in 26.8%. Our results showed significant differences regarding serum calprotectin levels in clinical manifestations of acute COVID-19 and follow-up laboratory parameters. The most significant positive predictors of the serum calprotectin value in the KTRs were respiratory insufficiency, acute kidney failure, the prescription of antihypertensives, leukocyte and neutrophil counts, the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Negative predictors were the time since COVID-19, high-density lipoprotein levels, kidney function parameters, and the lymphocyte count. To conclude, serum calprotectin has emerged as a possible promising biomarker for subclinical allograft rejection; however, further studies are needed to better understand this subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Đogaš
- Internal Medicine Department, Nephrology and Hemodialysis Division, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (T.Đ.); (I.N.); (M.B.); (M.V.)
| | - Ivana Novak
- Internal Medicine Department, Nephrology and Hemodialysis Division, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (T.Đ.); (I.N.); (M.B.); (M.V.)
| | - Marija Babić
- Internal Medicine Department, Nephrology and Hemodialysis Division, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (T.Đ.); (I.N.); (M.B.); (M.V.)
| | - Marijana Vučković
- Internal Medicine Department, Nephrology and Hemodialysis Division, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (T.Đ.); (I.N.); (M.B.); (M.V.)
| | - Leida Tandara
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital of Split, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Josipa Radić
- Internal Medicine Department, Nephrology and Hemodialysis Division, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (T.Đ.); (I.N.); (M.B.); (M.V.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Schellenberg J, Ahathaller M, Matits L, Kirsten J, Kersten J, Steinacker JM. Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain as a Parameter of Mild Myocardial Dysfunction in Athletes after COVID-19. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:jcdd10050189. [PMID: 37233156 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10050189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Whether symptoms during COVID-19 contribute to impaired left ventricular (LV) function remains unclear. We determine LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) between athletes with a positive COVID-19 test (PCAt) and healthy control athletes (CON) and relate it to symptoms during COVID-19. GLS is determined in four-, two-, and three-chamber views and assessed offline by a blinded investigator in 88 PCAt (35% women) (training at least three times per week/>20 MET) and 52 CONs from the national or state squad (38% women) at a median of two months after COVID-19. The results show that the GLS is significantly lower (GLS -18.53 ± 1.94% vs. -19.94 ± 1.42%, p < 0.001) and diastolic function significantly reduces (E/A 1.54 ± 0.52 vs. 1.66 ± 0.43, p = 0.020; E/E'l 5.74 ± 1.74 vs. 5.22 ± 1.36, p = 0.024) in PCAt. There is no association between GLS and symptoms like resting or exertional dyspnea, palpitations, chest pain or increased resting heart rate. However, there is a trend toward a lower GLS in PCAt with subjectively perceived performance limitation (p =0.054). A significantly lower GLS and diastolic function in PCAt compared with healthy peers may indicate mild myocardial dysfunction after COVID-19. However, the changes are within the normal range, so that clinical relevance is questionable. Further studies on the effect of lower GLS on performance parameters are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Schellenberg
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Ulm Hospital, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Magdalena Ahathaller
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Ulm Hospital, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Lynn Matits
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Ulm Hospital, 89075 Ulm, Germany
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Johannes Kirsten
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Ulm Hospital, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Johannes Kersten
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Ulm Hospital, 89075 Ulm, Germany
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Kersten J, Schellenberg J, Jerg A, Kirsten J, Persch H, Liu Y, Steinacker JM. Strain Echocardiography in Acute COVID-19 and Post-COVID Syndrome: More than Just a Snapshot. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041236. [PMID: 37189854 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) has become an established, widely available diagnostic method in the past few years, making its value clear in cases of COVID-19 and the further course of the disease, including post-COVID syndrome. Since the beginning of the pandemic, many studies have been published on the use of STE in this condition, enabling, on the one hand, a better understanding of myocardial involvement in COVID-19 and, on the other, a better identification of risk to patients, although some questions remain unanswered in regard to specific pathomechanisms, especially in post-COVID patients. This review takes a closer look at current findings and potential future developments by summarising the extant data on the use of STE, with a focus on left and right ventricular longitudinal strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Kersten
- Division for Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Ulm, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Jana Schellenberg
- Division for Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Ulm, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Achim Jerg
- Division for Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Ulm, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Johannes Kirsten
- Division for Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Ulm, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Hasema Persch
- Division for Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Ulm, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Yuefei Liu
- Division for Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Ulm, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Jürgen M Steinacker
- Division for Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Ulm, 89075 Ulm, Germany
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Netiazhenko VZ, Mostovyi SE, Safonova OM. The Impact of COVID-19 upon Intracardiac Hemodynamics and Heart Rate Variability in Stable Coronary Artery Disease Patients. UKRAINIAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY 2023. [DOI: 10.30702/ujcvs/23.31(01)/nm009-1928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim. To study the impact of COVID-19 upon intracardiac hemodynamics and heart rate variability (HRV) in stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) patients.
Materials and methods. In this cross-sectional study we analyzed clinical and instrumental data obtained from a sample of 80 patients. The patients were divided into three groups: group 1 included patients with SCAD without COVID-19 (n=30), group 2 included patients with SCAD and COVID-19 (n=25), and group 3 included patients with COVID-19 without SCAD (n=25). The control group included 30 relatively healthy volunteers.
Results. The changes in intracardiac hemodynamics and HRV in group 2 were characterized by the impaired left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, dilation of both ventricles and elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume was higher in group 2 (205±21 ml) than that in group 1 (176±33 ml; р<0.001) and group 3 (130±21 ml; р<0.001). Patients in the groups 1–3, compared to controls, presented with the decrease in the overall HRV (by standard deviation [SD] of all NN intervals [SDNN]; SD of the averages of NN intervals in all 5 min segments of the entire recording; and mean of the SDs of all NN intervals for all 5 min segments of the entire recording) and parasympathetic activity (root-mean-square difference of successive NN intervals; the proportion derived by dividing the number of interval differences of successive NN intervals greater than 50 ms [NN50] by the total number of NN intervals [pNN50], and high frequency spectral component), along with QT interval prolongation and increase in its variability. Group 2 demonstrated the most advanced changes in HRV (by SDNN and pNN50) and both QT interval characteristics.
Conclusions. The patients with SCAD and concomitant COVID-19, along with both ventricles dilation and intracardiac hemodynamics impairment, presented with the sings of autonomic dysfunction, QT interval prolongation and increase in its variability. The heart rate variability and QT interval characteristics should be additionally considered in the management of such patients.
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Tsigkou V, Oikonomou E, Anastasiou A, Lampsas S, Zakynthinos GE, Kalogeras K, Katsioupa M, Kapsali M, Kourampi I, Pesiridis T, Marinos G, Vavuranakis MA, Tousoulis D, Vavuranakis M, Siasos G. Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications of Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Heart Failure. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054321. [PMID: 36901752 PMCID: PMC10001590 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure is a complex medical syndrome that is attributed to a number of risk factors; nevertheless, its clinical presentation is quite similar among the different etiologies. Heart failure displays a rapidly increasing prevalence due to the aging of the population and the success of medical treatment and devices. The pathophysiology of heart failure comprises several mechanisms, such as activation of neurohormonal systems, oxidative stress, dysfunctional calcium handling, impaired energy utilization, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation, which are also implicated in the development of endothelial dysfunction. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is usually the result of myocardial loss, which progressively ends in myocardial remodeling. On the other hand, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is common in patients with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, and hypertension, which trigger the creation of a micro-environment of chronic, ongoing inflammation. Interestingly, endothelial dysfunction of both peripheral vessels and coronary epicardial vessels and microcirculation is a common characteristic of both categories of heart failure and has been associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes. Indeed, exercise training and several heart failure drug categories display favorable effects against endothelial dysfunction apart from their established direct myocardial benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tsigkou
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-69-4770-1299
| | - Artemis Anastasiou
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Stamatios Lampsas
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - George E. Zakynthinos
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kalogeras
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Katsioupa
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Kapsali
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Islam Kourampi
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Pesiridis
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Marinos
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Michael-Andrew Vavuranakis
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Manolis Vavuranakis
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Cardiac function in relation to functional status and fatigue in patients with post-COVID syndrome. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19575. [PMID: 36380000 PMCID: PMC9664421 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24038-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) are frequently referred for cardiologic evaluation. We assessed cardiac function and biomarkers in relation to functional status and fatigue in patients with PCS. This prospective single-center cohort study included 227 patients with persisting symptoms after COVID-19 infection. Most frequent complaints were fatigue (70%), dyspnea (56%), neurocognitive symptoms (34%) and chest pain (28%). Standardized questionnaires were used to assess Post-COVID-Functional-Scale (PCFS) and fatigue (MFI-20). The fatigue severity was inversely related to age and did not correlate with cardiovascular diseases, echocardiographic findings, or biomarkers. Similarly, mild to moderate functional impairment (PCFS 1-3) did not correlate with cardiovascular alterations. However, the subgroup of patients with significant functional impairment (PCFS = 4) had more frequent cardiovascular comorbidities, biomarkers and impaired global longitudinal strain (GLS). Patients with elevated troponin T showed abnormal GLS, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and impaired tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion. The majority of patients with PCS shows a normal cardiac function. Only the small subgroup of patients with severe functional impairment and patients with elevated troponin T is at risk for impaired cardiac function and likely to benefit from specialized care by a cardiologist.
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Current Concepts and Future Applications of Non-Invasive Functional and Anatomical Evaluation of Coronary Artery Disease. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12111803. [PMID: 36362957 PMCID: PMC9696378 DOI: 10.3390/life12111803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades, significant advances have been achieved in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). Proper non-invasive diagnosis and appropriate management based on functional information and the extension of ischemia or viability remain the cornerstone in the fight against adverse CAD events. Stress echocardiography and single photon emission computed tomography are often used for the evaluation of ischemia. Advancements in non-invasive imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have not only allowed non-invasive imaging of coronary artery lumen but also provide additional functional information. Other characteristics regarding the plaque morphology can be further evaluated with the latest modalities achieving a morpho-functional evaluation of CAD. Advances in the utilization of positron emission tomography (PET), as well as software advancements especially regarding cardiac CT, may provide additional prognostic information to a more evidence-based treatment decision. Since the armamentarium on non-invasive imaging modalities has evolved, the knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of each imaging modality should be evaluated in a case-by-case basis to achieve the best diagnosis and treatment decision. In this review article, we present the most recent advances in the noninvasive anatomical and functional evaluation of CAD.
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