Key result
Mild COVID-19 history is linked to ~2 mL/beat lower maximum O2 pulse post-exercise.
Why the study?
Several reports have shown the impact of COVID-19 history on exercise capacity, prompting a comparison of blood pressure response and oxygen pulse characteristics during and after exercise.
Does a history of mild COVID-19 alter blood pressure response and oxygen pulse during and after cardiopulmonary exercise testing in healthy adults?
Cross-Sectional (n=130)
Does a history of mild COVID-19 alter blood pressure response and oxygen pulse during and after cardiopulmonary exercise testing in healthy adults?
A history of even mild COVID-19 is associated with reduced maximum oxygen pulse and delayed blood pressure recovery during exercise, suggesting persistent subclinical cardiovascular effects.
May indicate subclinical exercise impairment after mild COVID-19; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective studies before clinical consideration.
Several reports have shown the impact of COVID-19 history on exercise capacity. This study compared the blood pressure (BP) response and oxygen pulse (O2 pulse) characteristics in normotensive patients with and without a history of COVID-19 during the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and post-exercise recovery. This cross-sectional study involved 130 healthy Caucasian adult volunteers (71 participants with a history of COVID-19). All patients underwent the CPET with blood pressure measurements during exercise and post-exercise recovery. The post-COVID group had significantly higher systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure after 9 min of recovery and achieved a significantly lower max O2 pulse (2.02 mL/beat on average) than the controls. It should be noted that the COVID group tended to have higher blood pressure values in all steps, with no differences in heart rate, pulse pressure, and saturation at any step. The COVID-19 outbreak was associated with a higher blood pressure response, significantly, in post-exercise recovery, a lower maximum O2 pulse, and a lower maximum load achievement. Future studies are needed to determine if these abnormalities during the CPET and the blood pressure variation have prognostic value.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Miętkiewska-Szwacka et al. (2023) conducted a cross-sectional in Mild COVID-19 history (n=130). History of mild COVID-19 vs. No history of COVID-19 (healthy controls) was evaluated on Maximum oxygen pulse (O2 pulse) during cardiopulmonary exercise test (2.02 mL/beat lower on average). A history of mild COVID-19 in healthy adults was associated with a significantly lower maximum O2 pulse (2.02 mL/beat lower) and delayed blood pressure recovery post-exercise compared to controls.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: