Understanding Exertional Dyspnea and Exercise Intolerance in COVID-19

Detailed Summary

A novel corona virus emerged in 2019 causing Corona Virus Disease 2019 (covid-19). In one year more than 80 000 000 cases worldwide were documented. Some patients experience symptoms, specifically shortness of breath, long after the viral infection has passed. These patients are colloquially known as "Covid-19 Long-Haulers" and it is currently unknown why symptoms remain after infection. Shortness of breath and exercise intolerance may be caused by corona virus infection, covid-19 therapy, and reduced physical activity. Exercise intolerance may be due to lung, heart, blood vessel and muscle changes. During infection, the corona virus appears to cause lung blood vessel and gas exchange surface damage. Early reports show heart dysfunction, secondary to pulmonary blood vessel dysfunction or damage. Critically, no data is available on lung blood vessel function or cardiac function during exercise. Moreover, no data are available to link persistent symptoms to physiology parameters. To better understand symptom persistence in Covid-19, the investigators aim to measure exercise tolerance and heart and lung function in covid-19 survivors and compare them to covid-19 free controls.

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