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Cesar Acosta

Wyckoff Heights Medical Hospital, USA

Title: COVID’s affect on the autonomic nervous system

Abstract

COVID-19 leads to a multi-organ disorder due to the effects of (1) angiotensin converting enzyme-2 receptors (the entry points for the virus), (2) inflammation and (3) oxidative stress (the resultant  effects of the virus).  These effects may produce a spectrum of respiratory and cardio-neuro effects (e.g., myocardial injury, primary arrhythmia, and cardiac symptoms due to autonomic dysfunction) which may affect all systems of the body.  We discuss the symptoms and suggest therapies that target the underlying autonomic dysfunction to relieve the symptoms, rather than merely treating symptoms.  In addition to treating the autonomic dysfunction, the therapy also treats chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.  If a full non-invasive cardiac work-up is performed and is negative, a full assessment of the autonomic nervous system, specifying Parasympathetic and Sympathetic activity, both at rest and in response to challenges, is recommended.  Cardiac symptoms of dyspnea, chest pain, and palpitations need to be assessed objectively to differentiate cardiac from neural (autonomic) etiology.  Long-term myocardial injury commonly involves Parasympathetic or Sympathetic dysfunction.  Parasympathetic and Sympathetic assessment usually connects most symptoms of COVID-19 to the documented autonomic dysfunction(s).

Biography

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