We and others have previously shown that COVID-19 results in vascular and autonomic impairments in young adults. However, the newest variant of COVID-19 (Omicron) appears to have less severe complications. Therefore, we investigated whether recent breakthrough infection with COVID-19 during the Omicron wave impacts cardiovascular health in young adults. We hypothesized that measures of vascular health and indices of cardiac autonomic function would be impaired in those who had the Omicron variant of COVID-19 when compared to controls who never had COVID-19. We studied 23 vaccinated adults who had COVID-19 after Dec 25, 2021 (Omicron; age: 23±3years; 14F) within 6 weeks of diagnosis compared to 13 vaccinated adults who never had COVID-19 (age: 26±4 years; 7F). Macro and micro-vascular function were assessed using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and reactive hyperemia, respectively. Arterial stiffness was determined as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and augmentation index (AIx). Heart rate (HR) variability and cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) were assessed as indices of cardiac autonomic function. FMD was not different between control (5.9 ± 2.8%) and Omicron (6.1 ± 2.3%; p=0.544). Similarly, reactive hyperemia (p=0.884) and arterial stiffness were not different between groups (e.g., cfPWV; control, 5.9 ± 0.6 m/s and Omicron, 5.7 ± 0.8 m/s; p=0.367). Lastly, measures of HR variability and cardiac BRS were not different between groups (all: p>0.05). Collectively, these data suggest preserved vascular health and cardiac autonomic function in young, otherwise healthy adults who had breakthrough cases of COVID-19 during the Omicron wave.
My triple vaccinated daughter was diagnosed with long Covid after battling Omicron and now goes in for heart and pulmontary testing every two months on advise of her doctor.