Influence of a new coronavirus infection on the arterial stiffness in patients with hypertension

Objective. The aim of the study was to compare the parameters of lipid profile, arterial stiffness and endothelial function in patients with arterial hypertension (HTN), examined before the COronaVIrus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and patients with HTN who underwent COVID-19. Design and methods. In total, 133 people were included: 72 patients with HTN examined in 2010–2015, 61 patients with HTN who survived after COVID-19. A biochemical blood test was performed to determine the level of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was calculated. The parameters of arterial stiffness were assessed using volume sphygmography, endothelial function was determined based on the values obtained in the sample with post-occlusive reactive hyperemia. Results. According to the results of a biochemical blood test, a significantly higher level of total cholesterol and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was noted in patients with HTN who underwent COVID-19. In the compared groups, comparable indicators of endothelial function were registered with post-occlusive reactive hyperemia. At the same time, according to volume sphygmography, the highest values of arterial stiffness indicators (pulse wave velocity in the aorta, pulse wave velocity in elastic arteries, cardio-ankle vascular index on the right and left) were found in patients with HTN who had undergone COVID-19. A univariate regression analysis was carried out, which confirmed a significant negative effect of the transferred COVID-19 on the parameters of arterial stiffness. Conclusions. Patients with HTN in the post-COVID period represent a particularly vulnerable cohort of the population in terms of the risk of developing and progressing cardiovascular pathology, including vascular events. The inclusion of volume sphygmography in the list of examinations will probably allow early detection of an increase in arterial stiffness with subsequent drug correction.