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?:abstract
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BACKGROUND While SARS-CoV-2 primarily affects the lungs, the virus may be inflicting detriments to the cardiovascular system, both directly through angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor as well as initiating systemic inflammation. Persistent systemic inflammation may be provoking vascular dysfunction, an early indication of cardiovascular disease risk. METHODS In order to establish the potential effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the systemic vasculature in the arms and legs, we performed a cross-sectional analysis of young healthy adults (Control: 5M/15F, 23.0±1.3y, 167±9cm, 63.0±7.4kg) and young adults who, 3-4 weeks prior to testing, had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2: 4M/7F, 20.2±1.1y, 172±12cm, 69.5±12.4kg) (mean±SD). Using Doppler ultrasound, brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the arm and single passive limb movement (sPLM) in the leg were assessed as markers of vascular function. Pulse wave velocity (PWVcf) was assessed as a marker of arterial stiffness. RESULTS FMD was lower in the SARS-CoV-2 group (2.71±1.21%) compared to the Control group (8.81±2.96%) (P<0.01) and when made relative to the shear stimulus (SARS-CoV-2: 0.04±0.02AU, Control: 0.13±0.06AU, P<0.01). The femoral artery blood flow response, as evidenced by the area under the curve, from the sPLM was lower in the SARS-CoV-2 group (-3±91ml) compared with the Control group (118±114ml) (P<0.01). PWVcf was higher in the SARS-CoV-2 group (5.83±0.62m/s) compared with the Control group (5.17±0.66m/s) (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Significantly lower systemic vascular function and higher arterial stiffness are evident weeks after testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 among young adults compared to controls.
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