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. 2020 Oct 16:11:561749.
doi: 10.3389/fphys.2020.561749. eCollection 2020.

Potential Role of Autonomic Dysfunction in Covid-19 Morbidity and Mortality

Rodrigo Del Rio  1   2   3 , Noah J Marcus  4 , Nibaldo C Inestrosa  2   3
Affiliations

Potential Role of Autonomic Dysfunction in Covid-19 Morbidity and Mortality

Rodrigo Del Rio et al. Front Physiol. .
No abstract available

Keywords: COVID-19; autonomic nervous system; inflammation; parasympathetic; sympathetic nervous system; sympathetic reactivity.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Contribution of altered autonomic function in hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease to poor outcomes in Covid-19 patients. It is well-known that sympathetic nerve activity is significantly increase in patients with hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. In contrast, parasympathetic activity is markedly decreased in these patients. In Covid-19 patients both sympatho-excitation and parasympathetic withdrawal may play a pivotal role in increasing the risk of life-threating events. Enhanced sympathetic activity directly increases circulating catecholamines and increases myocardial work and oxygen demand, adding more stress to the Covid-19 heart. Simultaneously, the reduction in parasympathetic activity reduces the neuro-vagal anti-inflammatory reflex hastening the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and potentially contributing to cytokine storm.
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