Long-term impact of COVID-19 on cardiac and pulmonary autonomic function in hypertensive individuals

Objective Long-term impact of COVID-19 on cardiac and pulmonary autonomic function in patients with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) was evaluated in a cross-sectional study of 52 individuals. Methods Participants were allocated to two groups based on COVID-19 history. They were underwent heart rate variability on the 24-hour Holter, lung function was assessed by spirometry and functional capacity (CF) was assessed by the cardiopulmonary exercise test. Results Was revealed worsened lung function in COVID-19-recovered SAH patients, indicated by lower forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) rates [2.3 (1.9–2.6) vs. 2.5 (2.2–3.0), p < 0.05)] and FEV1/[81.8 (77.5–83.9) vs . 84.6 (80.8–87.7) p < 0.05)], with 30% showing restrictive disorder. However, no significant differences were found in cardiac autonomic control. A positive and moderate association between VO _2peak and FEV1 in COVID-19-recovered SAH patients was noted (r = 0.50 p < 0.05), and between VO _2peak and the 0V% index was noted a negative and moderate association (r =-0,55 p < 0.05). Conclusion Findings suggest mild COVID-19 in SAH patients may not cause significant long-term HRV changes. However, there is worsening of lung function, with the presence mainly of restrictive disorder in 30% of cases.