Autonomic Nervous System Affection Due to Post-Covid Syndrome

English (OpenAlex)

The persistence of symptoms for 12 weeks or longer in individuals with Covid-19 and the wide range of symptoms suggested that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) may be affected. The aim of this study is to reveal the possible relationship between Post Covid syndrome (PCS) and ANS disorders by measuring Heart Rate Variability. A total of 60 participants whom between the ages of 18-45 were included in the study and divided into three groups: Group 1(participants have never had Post-Covid Syndrome), Group 2 (recovered after Covid-19) and Group 3 (participants who had never Covid-19 infection). A 5-minute heart rate variability measurement was performed in the resting position for the patients in each group. A statistically significant low Stress Index score was found in Group 1 (participants have never had Post-Covid Syndrome) (p<0.05). While a significant low measurement was observed in the SNS index in Group 1(p<0.05), a significant high score was observed in Group 3 (p<0.05), which consisted of participants who had experienced PCS. The RMSSD and HF variable, a significant low score was observed in Group 3 (p<0.05). As a result of this study, it was observed that sympathetic activity dominance clearly emerged and caused autonomic dysfunction in participants with PCS, compared to individuals who had never had Covid 19 infection and recovered from Covid 19 infection.