Issue 24-1, 2025
Review
Autonomic Dysfunction in Long COVID Patients: a Review
* Kirill V. Petrov,
Elena Yu. Mozheyko,
Elena G. Shanina,
Artem V. Petrov
Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION. The new coronavirus infection COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the health of populations around the world, causing not only respiratory symptoms, but also a wide range of systemic disorders, including autonomic dysfunction. The autonomic nervous system plays a key role in regulating vital body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and metabolism. Disorders of the autonomic nervous system can lead to serious health consequences, including chronic fatigue, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia and other symptoms that can markedly impair the quality of life of patients.
AIM. To analyze the available scientific data on autonomic nervous system dysfunction in long COVID patients, its possible pathophysiological mechanisms of development and potential methods of correction.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. We have searched for full-text publications in Russian and English over the past four years in eLIBRARY.RU, PubMed, Web of Science databases using the keywords: autonomic dysfunction, SARS-CoV-2, orthostatic insufficiency, COVID-19, long COVID.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. The review examines in detail the pathophysiological mechanisms of autonomic dysfunction in long COVID patients. The clinical manifestations and approaches to its correction are considered. To date, many symptoms of autonomic dysfunction have been identified in long COVID patients.
CONCLUSION. The analyzed studies indicate the presence of a causal relationship between the new coronavirus infection COVID-19 and the symptoms of autonomic dysfunction. However, it is necessary to further study the pathophysiology and characteristics of the spectrum of symptoms of autonomic dysfunction associated with COVID infection, to understand its natural course, to optimize treatment and rehabilitation measures based on a personalized approach.
KEYWORDS: autonomic dysfunction, SARS-CoV-2, orthostatic insufficiency, COVID-19, long COVID
FOR CITATION:
Petrov K.V., Mozheyko E.Yu., Shanina E.G., Petrov A.V. Autonomic Dysfunction in Long COVID Patients: a Review. Bulletin of Rehabilitation Medicine. 2025; 24(1):103–111. https://doi.org/10.38025/2078-1962-2025-24-1-103-111 (In Russ.).
FOR CORRESPONDENCE: Kirill V. Petrov, Е-mail: kllpetrov@mail.ru, sci-prorector@krasgmu.ru
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