Key result
Prior COVID-19 in elite male athletes is linked to higher peripheral vascular resistance but unchanged HRV.
Why the study?
This study was conducted to investigate the long-term cardiovascular effects of COVID-19 in elite male athletes by evaluating heart rate variability, arterial stiffness, and other cardiovascular parameters.
Does prior COVID-19 infection affect heart rate variability and arterial stiffness in elite male athletes?
Cross-Sectional (n=120)
Does prior COVID-19 infection affect heart rate variability and arterial stiffness in elite male athletes?
Elite male athletes demonstrate cardiovascular resilience after COVID-19, with maintained cardiac autonomic function and only minor differences in vascular function.
Supports autonomic resilience in elite athletes post-COVID; leaves open clinical relevance of subtle vascular changes.
This study investigated the long-term cardiovascular effects of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in elite male athletes by comparing the heart rate variability (HRV), arterial stiffness, and other cardiovascular parameters between those with and without prior COVID-19 infection. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated 120 elite male athletes (60 post COVID-19, 60 controls) using anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis, pulmonary function tests, HRV analysis, arterial stiffness assessments, hemodynamic monitoring, and microcirculatory function tests. Results: Athletes post COVID-19 showed significantly higher lean mass (p = 0.007), forced vital capacity (p = 0.001), and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (p = 0.007) than controls. HRV parameters did not significantly differ between the groups. Post-COVID-19 athletes exhibited peripheral vascular resistance (p = 0.048) and reflection index (p = 0.038). No significant differences were observed in the blood pressure, cardiac output, oxygen saturation, or microcirculatory oxygen absorption. Conclusions: Elite male athletes showed notable cardiovascular resilience after COVID-19, with only minor differences in vascular function. The maintained cardiac autonomic function and improved lung parameters in post-COVID-19 athletes suggests an adaptive response. These findings support the cardiovascular health of elite athletes following COVID-19 but emphasize the importance of continued monitoring.
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Ammar et al. (2024) conducted a cross-sectional in Prior COVID-19 infection (n=120). Prior COVID-19 infection vs. No prior COVID-19 infection was evaluated on Heart rate variability, arterial stiffness, and other cardiovascular parameters. Prior COVID-19 infection in elite male athletes was associated with higher peripheral vascular resistance (p=0.048) and reflection index (p=0.038), but no significant differences in HRV.
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