Longer-term effects of COVID-19 on blood vessels and blood pressure
Research type
Research Study
Full title
LOnger-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 INfection on blood Vessels And blood pRessure (LOCHINVAR)
IRAS ID
299056
Contact name
Sandosh Padmanabhan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
The COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest medical challenge in decades. Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases have a higher risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes infection by targeting a molecule on the walls of the cells lining the lungs and the blood vessels leading to injury. There are concerns that after recovery from COVID-19, the damage sustained by these cells may have long-term consequences including high blood pressure, stroke and heart attacks. The burden of high blood pressure as a result of the pandemic is unknown and a greater understanding of COVID-19 impact on blood pressure and its underlying mechanisms is urgently needed
LOCHINVAR is based on our pilot study “COVID-19 blood pressure endothelium interaction study” (OBELIX), which found that patients with normal blood pressure at the time of hospital admission with COVID-19 showed a nine -point higher blood pressure ≥12 weeks after recovery, compared to a group without COVID-19. LOCHINVAR will extend the OBELIX study aiming to establish if COVID-19 increases the risk of developing high blood pressure and investigating underlying mechanisms through detailed measurements of blood pressure, blood vessel function, hormones and chemicals in the blood, urine and stool.
We will invite 150 adults without pre-existing high blood pressure who were discharged from hospital after an admission: half with COVID-19 and half without. Baseline visit will be ≥12 weeks after discharge for measurements of blood pressure, tests of heart and blood vessel health, blood, urine and stool samples along with questionnaires on mood and quality of life. Two further study visits follow, at 12 and 18 months.
This study will generate crucial evidence on the long-term impact of COVID-19 on blood pressure along with information on potential mechanisms of this effect with immediate, transferable impact on clinical practice and inform risk mitigation measures.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
21/WS/0075
Date of REC Opinion
1 Jul 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion