ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF MYOCARDIAL CONTRACTILITY IN YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE RECOVERED FROM COVID-19

Abstract

The article presents the results of studying myocardial pump function and its dynamics over the course of a year after recent SARS-CoV-2 infection in young adults (18-44 years old, mean age 34.5±2.8 years). Three observation groups were formed. The main group included 49 patients who had COVID-19 without cardiovascular disease (CVD). The 1st control group included 39 people with CVD risk factors who did not have COVID-19, the 2nd control group was formed from 29 healthy volunteers. Echocardiography was performed on a “Philips Matrix” ultrasound scanner (USA) using a transduser S-5, 1-5 MHz. It has been established that after recovery from COVID-19 in patients with obesity, insulin resistance and pre-diabetes, LV systolic function remains altered for a long time. In those who have had a moderate form of viral infection, residual effects of inflammation of the myocardium and pericardium persist for six months. According to our data, the consequence of viral myocarditis in every seventh young patient is mitral valve prolapse and atrial rhythm disturbances. A mid-term assessment showed that 14-18 months after mild pneumonia associated with COVID-19, or after “long COVID-19” without the development of pneumonia, in most patients with obesity, insulin resistance and arterial hypertension, the consequence of the launch of the inflammatory cascade are the proliferation of endothelium and cardiomyocytes, opening the way to myocardial remodeling. As a result, approximately one third of patients with these cardiovascular risk factors develop myocardial dysfunction and electrical inhomogeneity in the myocardium, increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications.