Relationship between the structure, function and endothelial damage, and vascular ageing and the biopsychological situation in adults diagnosed with persistent COVID (BioICOPER study)

Cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study. The study has included 300 individuals diagnosed with persistent COVID who meet the diagnosis criteria established by the WHO. Vascular structure and function were analysed by measuring the carotid intima-media thickness (Sonosite Micromax); the pulse wave and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) were recorded with Sphygmocor System®. Cardio Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and ankle-brachial index were analysed with Vasera VS-2000®. Fatigue, sleep, dyspnea, quality of life, attention, nutrition state, fragility, lifestyles, psychological factors, and cognitive deterioration were evaluated using validated questionnaires. Also, physical activity was measured using a pedometer for 7 days. Body composition was measured using an Inbody 230.