The long-term effects of coronavirus infection history more than 1 year ago in a non-severe form were established in modern longitudinal studies.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the features of hemodynamics, autonomic regulation, psychoemotional state and stress resistance in young persons with the history of coronavirus infection more than 1.5 years ago.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 2023, 69 students aged 21.5 (20.5—22.3) years were examined, of whom 46% were men. The COVID-19(+) group included 36 students who had been exposed to coronavirus infection 1.5—2.5 years ago, the COVID-19(–) group — 33 students without COVID-19 history. Functional indicators of heart rate variability and physiological indices were compared for evaluation of hemodynamics and autonomic regulation. Psychological testing included answers to the Spielberger—Khanin test, questionnaire of Yu.V. Shcherbatykh and assessment of psychophysiological stress reaction.

RESULTS

All students had reduced adaptation to loads (health coefficient was more than 3.1) and weakened cardiovascular endurance (endurance coefficient was more than 16). It has been established in the COVID-19(+) group more frequently than in the COVID-19(–) group that the heart index value was below 2.5 l/min (27±8 and 10±6%), the stroke volume was less than 55 ml (49±9% and 28±8%) and the cardiac output was 4.5 l/min (36±8% and 7±5%). Sympathetic activity prevailed, the stress index and psychophysiological stress reaction level were higher in men of the COVID-19(+) group, and individuals with predominant parasympathetic nervous system (vagotonics) were more common among women, but they had higher cumulative stress and trait anxiety levels.

CONCLUSION

The effects of COVID-19 in initially healthy young people are revealed even after 1.5—2.5 years. Students with the history of coronavirus infection in a non-severe form, compared to unaffected peers, have differences in the indicators of autonomic regulation of the cardiovascular system, psychoemotional state and stress tolerance.