Evaluation of Orthostatic Hypotension and Cardiac Function in Patients Recovered from Mild COVID-19 Infection

Authors : Ümmü Taş, Sedat Taş

Pages : 11-19

Doi:10.71255/maunsbd.1684291

View : 28 | Download : 37

Publication Date : 2025-07-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of orthostatic hypotension (OH) and echocardiographic metrics in individuals who have recovered from mild COVID-19 infection in comparison to a matched control cohort. This investigation seeks to explore the possible implications of mild COVID-19 on cardiac functionality and the autonomic cardiovascular response, as well as to examine the enduring cardiovascular ramifications of the illness. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study encompassed a cohort of 80 patients with laboratory-confirmed mild COVID-19 infections who presented with ongoing symptoms at the cardiology outpatient clinic during the period from March 15 to May 30, 2021. Additionally, 80 healthy controls matched for age and sex were included in the study. Comprehensive anthropometric measurements, such as height, weight, and waist circumference, were recorded, while blood pressure was assessed in both sitting/supine and standing positions. Orthostatic hypotension (OH) was defined as a decline of ≥20 mmHg in systolic blood pressure or ≥10 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure occurring within three minutes of standing. All participants underwent a thorough evaluation, which included 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) and transthoracic echocardiography. The occurrence of orthostatic hypotension and the echocardiographic findings were meticulously analyzed and compared between the two groups using appropriate statistical methodologies. Results: Patients experiencing persistent symptoms following COVID-19 showed a notably higher prevalence of orthostatic hypotension (OH) at 16.2% compared to 3.7% in the control group (p=0.008) and had elevated resting heart rates (p<0.001). Although echocardiographic measures were all observed to be higher in the COVID-19 cohort, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Additionally, no meaningful correlations were identified between echocardiographic results and the variables of age, body mass index (BMI), sex, or OH. Conclusion: Individuals recovering from mild COVID-19 often display cardiac abnormalities, including orthostatic hypotension, which may indicate the presence of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction. These findings underscore the importance of performing a comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation for post-COVID-19 patients who are experiencing persistent symptoms.
Keywords : Ortostatik hipotansiyon, COVID-19, otonomik disfonksiyon, ekokardiyografi, kardiyovasküler komplikasyonlar

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