COVID-19, Endothelial Function and Hypertension
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An observational study, investigating the impact of COVID-19 on endothelial and neurovascular function in patients with pre-existing Hypertension
IRAS ID
292957
Contact name
Barry McDonnell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
During the current COVID-19 pandemic, there has been debate regarding the use of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) as a treatment for hypertensive patients because of angiotensin-converting enzyme receptor’s role in respiratory disease as well as hypertension. Although the treatment of hypertension with ACEi in patients with COVID-19 has not shown any relationship to increased death rates, several reports have associated damage to the inner layer of arteries – called the endothelium – and rates stroke with COVID-19. This raises the possibility of altered large artery and brain function in those hypertensive patients surviving COVID-19. However, at present, the effects of endothelial damage on patients’ arteries and brain function following recovery from COVID-19 in hypertension patients on ACEi therapy remains unknown. Therefore, this observational study will investigate the impact of a previous COVID-19 infection on peripheral artery and brain function in hypertensive patients on ACEi. Hypertensive patients with a previous COVID-19 diagnosis will be assessed between 4-6 months’ post-recovery, before and after taking their daily anti-hypertension treatment (ACEi) and compared to hypertension patients without previous COVID-19. Peripheral artery function and brain function will be assessed using non-invasive ultrasound and MRI, respectively. The findings will provide an indication of the potential long-term damage caused by COVID-19 on peripheral artery and brain function, in hypertensive patients on ACEi.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
21/WA/0129
Date of REC Opinion
27 May 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion