Long-term effects of COVID-19 on endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and blood pressure

The SARS-CoV-19 pandemic has highlighted numerous health impacts, particularly on the cardiovascular system. While the immediate effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection are well documented, the long-term effects remain largely unexplored, especially in young adults. This study focuses on the long-term effects of COVID-19 on endothelial function, arterial stiffness and blood pressure in university students. 

The researchers recruited 37 university students who had been infected with COVID-19 for more than two months. Endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, while arterial stiffness was measured using the ABI Systems 100. Variables assessed included systolic pressure index (SPI), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (bcPWV), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP).