The Relationship Between COVID-19 History and Arterial Vascular Elasticity Measured Using Accelerated Photoplethysmograph Analyzer in Medical Students

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 is a global health issue that can affect the cardiovascular system at various levels and cause damage to the endothelium, leading to decreased arterial elasticity and vascular dysfunction. This study investigates the relationship between COVID-19 history and arterial vascular elasticity in medical students. Methods: This study used a case-control design and a purposive random sampling technique. Data on COVID-19 history and characteristics of the subjects were collected using questionnaires, while arterial vascular elasticity was measured using the accelerated photoplethysmograph (APG) analyzer, SA-3000P. The sample consisted of 24 COVID-19 survivors (case) and 24 subjects without COVID-19 history (control). Results: This study found that three subjects (6.25%) had optimal arterial vascular elasticity, 28 subjects (58.3%) had normal elasticity, and 17 subjects (35.45%) had sub-optimal elasticity. No significant differences were found in age, gender, physical activity, dietary habits, body mass index, and family history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and obesity between the case and control groups (p > 0.05). The Chi-square test results showed a significant relationship between COVID-19 history and arterial vascular elasticity (p = 0.003; OR = 9.8; CI = 2.2-42.0). Conclusion: COVID-19 survivors are nine times more likely to have sub-optimal arterial vascular elasticity compared to those who have not been infected with the virus. COVID-19 survivors are advised to adopt healthy lifestyles and undergo regular check-ups to mitigate the risk of developing vascular diseases.