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Fedorowski A, Fanciulli A, Raj SR, Sheldon R, Shibao CA, Sutton R. Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in post-COVID-19 syndrome: a major health-care burden. Nat Rev Cardiol 2024; 21:379-395. [PMID: 38163814 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-023-00962-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction (CVAD) is a malfunction of the cardiovascular system caused by deranged autonomic control of circulatory homeostasis. CVAD is an important component of post-COVID-19 syndrome, also termed long COVID, and might affect one-third of highly symptomatic patients with COVID-19. The effects of CVAD can be seen at both the whole-body level, with impairment of heart rate and blood pressure control, and in specific body regions, typically manifesting as microvascular dysfunction. Many severely affected patients with long COVID meet the diagnostic criteria for two common presentations of CVAD: postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and inappropriate sinus tachycardia. CVAD can also manifest as disorders associated with hypotension, such as orthostatic or postprandial hypotension, and recurrent reflex syncope. Advances in research, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have identified new potential pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic methods and therapeutic targets in CVAD. For clinicians who daily see patients with CVAD, knowledge of its symptomatology, detection and appropriate management is more important than ever. In this Review, we define CVAD and its major forms that are encountered in post-COVID-19 syndrome, describe possible CVAD aetiologies, and discuss how CVAD, as a component of post-COVID-19 syndrome, can be diagnosed and managed. Moreover, we outline directions for future research to discover more efficient ways to cope with this prevalent and long-lasting condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
| | | | - Satish R Raj
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Robert Sheldon
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Cyndya A Shibao
- Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Richard Sutton
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
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Ståhlberg M, Mahdi A, Johansson M, Fedorowski A, Olshansky B. Cardiovascular dysautonomia in postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2024; 35:608-617. [PMID: 37877234 DOI: 10.1111/jce.16117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a worldwide pandemic that continues to transform but will not go away. Cardiovascular dysautonomia in postacute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection has led to persistent symptoms in a large number of patients. Here, we define the condition and its associated symptoms as well as potential mechanisms responsible. We provide a careful and complete overview of the topic addressing novel studies and a generalized approach to the management of individuals with this complex and potentially debilitating problem. We also discuss future research directions and the important knowledge gaps to be addressed in ongoing and planned studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Ståhlberg
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ali Mahdi
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Madeleine Johansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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Groppelli A, Rivasi G, Fedorowski A, de Lange FJ, Russo V, Maggi R, Capacci M, Nawaz S, Comune A, Bianchi L, Zambon A, Soranna D, Ungar A, Parati G, Brignole M. Interventions aimed to increase average 24-h systolic blood pressure reduce blood pressure drops in patients with reflex syncope and orthostatic intolerance. Europace 2024; 26:euae026. [PMID: 38262617 PMCID: PMC10849184 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Systolic blood pressure (SBP) drops recorded by 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) identify patients with susceptibility to reflex syncope and orthostatic intolerance. We tested the hypothesis that treatments aimed to increase BP (reassurance, education, and lifestyle measures plus pharmacological strategies) can reduce SBP drops. METHODS AND RESULTS This was a multicentre, observational proof-of-concept study performed in patients with reflex syncope and/or orthostatic intolerance and with SBP drops on a screening ABPM. Among 144 eligible patients, 111 underwent a second ABPM on average 2.5 months after start of treatment. Overall, mean 24-h SBP increased from 114.1 ± 12.1 to 121.4 ± 14.5 mmHg (P < 0.0001). The number of SBP drops <90 and <100 mmHg decreased by 61%, 46% during daytime, and by 48% and 37% during 24-h period, respectively (P < 0.0001 for all). The dose-response relationship between difference in 24-h average SBP increase and reduction in number of SBP drops reached a plateau around ∼15 mmHg increase of 24-h SBP. The reduction in SBP drop rate was consistent and significant in patients who underwent deprescription of hypotensive medications (n = 44) and in patients who received BP-rising drugs (n = 67). CONCLUSION In patients with reflex syncope and/or orthostatic intolerance, an increase in average 24-h SBP, regardless of the implemented strategy, significantly reduced the number of SBP drops and symptom burden. A 13 mmHg increase in 24-h SBP appears to represent the optimal goal for aborting the maximal number of SBP drops, representing a possible target for future interventions. ClincalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05729724.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Groppelli
- Faint and Fall Research Centre, Department of Cardiology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, S. Luca Hospital, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149 Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Rivasi
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frederik J de Lange
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, Heart Centre, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincenzo Russo
- Cardiology and Syncope Unit, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’—Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Maggi
- Department of Cardiology, Ospedali del Tigullio, Lavagna, Italy
| | - Marco Capacci
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Nawaz
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, Heart Centre, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Angelo Comune
- Cardiology and Syncope Unit, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’—Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bianchi
- Department of Cardiology, Ospedali del Tigullio, Lavagna, Italy
| | - Antonella Zambon
- Biostatistics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Soranna
- Biostatistics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Ungar
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Parati
- Department of Cardiology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, San Luca Hospital, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149 Milan, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dei daini 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Brignole
- Faint and Fall Research Centre, Department of Cardiology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, S. Luca Hospital, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149 Milano, Italy
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van Zanten S, de Jong JSY, Scheffer MG, Kaal ECA, de Groot JR, de Lange FJ. A cross-sectional nationwide survey of guideline based syncope units in the Netherlands: the SU-19 score-a novel validation for best practices. Europace 2023; 26:euae002. [PMID: 38190741 PMCID: PMC10793571 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS We aimed to identify all syncope units (SUs) in the Netherlands and assess the extent to which these SUs fulfil the essential requirements outlined by the consensus statements of the European Heart Rhythm Association and the European Society of Cardiology syncope guidelines. For this, we developed the SU-19 score, a novel guideline based validation tool for best practice. METHODS AND RESULTS All outpatient clinics of cardiology, neurology, and internal medicine in the Netherlands were screened for presence of any form of structured specialized syncope care. If present, these were included as SUs and requested to complete a questionnaire regarding syncope care. We assessed all SUs using the SU-19 score regarding structure (3 points), available tests (12 points), and initial evaluation (4 points). Twenty SUs were identified in the Netherlands, both academic (5/20) and non-academic hospitals (15/20), 17/20 reported multidisciplinary involvement during initial evaluation. In 19/20, neurology, cardiology, or both were responsible for the syncope management. Non-physicians were involved performing the head-up tilt test (44%) and initial evaluation (40%). The mean SU-19 score was 18.0 ± 1.1, 45% achieved the maximum score of 19 points. Variations were observed in protocols for active standing test, carotid sinus massage, and head-up tilt test. CONCLUSION There is a network of 20 SUs in the Netherlands. Forty-five per cent fully met the SU-19 score (mean 18.0 ± 1.1). Slight variety existed in protocols for autonomic function tests. Neurology and cardiology were mostly involved in syncope management. Non-physicians play an important role in syncope care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven van Zanten
- Department of Cardiology, Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, Reinier de Graafweg 5, 2625 AD Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jelle S Y de Jong
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Heart Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mike G Scheffer
- Department of Cardiology, Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, Reinier de Graafweg 5, 2625 AD Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Evert C A Kaal
- Department of Neurology, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joris R de Groot
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Heart Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frederik J de Lange
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Heart Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Hira R, Karalasingham K, Baker JR, Raj SR. Autonomic Manifestations of Long-COVID Syndrome. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2023; 23:881-892. [PMID: 37947962 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-023-01320-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Long-COVID is a novel condition emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. Long-COVID is characterized by symptoms commonly seen in autonomic disorders including fatigue, brain fog, light-headedness, and palpitations. This article will critically evaluate recent findings and studies on Long-COVID and its physiological autonomic manifestations. RECENT FINDINGS Studies have reported on the prevalence of different symptoms and autonomic disorders in Long-COVID cohorts. Autonomic nervous system function, including both the parasympathetic and sympathetic limbs, has been studied using different testing techniques in Long-COVID patients. While numerous mechanisms may contribute to Long-COVID autonomic pathophysiology, it is currently unclear which ones lead to a Long-COVID presentation. To date, studies have not tested treatment options for autonomic disorders in Long-COVID patients. Long-COVID is associated with autonomic abnormalities. There is a high prevalence of clinical autonomic disorders among Long-COVID patients, with limited knowledge of the underlying mechanisms and the effectiveness of treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmin Hira
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kavithra Karalasingham
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jacquie R Baker
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Satish R Raj
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Fedorowski A, Kulakowski P, Brignole M, de Lange FJ, Kenny RA, Moya A, Rivasi G, Sheldon R, Van Dijk G, Sutton R, Deharo JC. Twenty-five years of research on syncope. Europace 2023; 25:euad163. [PMID: 37622579 PMCID: PMC10450792 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last 25 years, the Europace journal has greatly contributed to dissemination of research and knowledge in the field of syncope. More than 400 manuscripts have been published in the journal. They undoubtedly improved our understanding of syncope. This symptom is now clearly differentiated from other forms of transient loss of consciousness. The critical role of vasodepression and/or cardioinhibition as final mechanisms of reflex syncope is emphasized. Current diagnostic approach sharply separates between cardiac and autonomic pathways. Physiologic insights have been translated, through rigorously designed clinical trials, into non-pharmacological or pharmacological interventions and interventional therapies. The following manuscript is intended to give the reader the current state of the art of knowledge of syncope by highlighting landmark contributions of the Europace journal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Eugeniavägen 3, 171 76 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Solnavägen 1, 171 77 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 214 28 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Piotr Kulakowski
- Department of Cardiology, Medical Centre for Postgraduate Education, Grochowski Hospital, Ul. Grenadierow 51/59, 04-073 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michele Brignole
- Department of Cardiology, S. Luca Hospital, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Frederik J de Lange
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rose Anne Kenny
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse St, Dublin, Ireland
- Mercer Institute for Successful Ageing, St. James Hospital, James St, Dublin 8, D08 NHY1Ireland
| | - Angel Moya
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitari Dexeus, Carrer de Sabino Arana 5-19, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Giulia Rivasi
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla 3, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Robert Sheldon
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, 3310 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Gert Van Dijk
- Department of Neurology, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Weg door Jonkerbos 100, 6532 SZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Sutton
- Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Claude Deharo
- Assistance Publique − Hôpitaux de Marseille, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire La Timone, Service de Cardiologie, Marseille, France and Aix Marseille Université, C2VN, 264 Rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France
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