Changes in Cerebral Hemodynamics in Patients with Hypertension and Post-Covid

The study results are based on the data of examination of 73 patients with controlled hypertension of the II stage. The 1st study group consisted of patients with hypertension and history of Covid-19 infection (36 patients), the 2nd group – patients with hypertension was the control group. All patients were examined using ultrasound duplex scanning of head and neck vessels. The state of cerebrovascular reserve was studied according to the method of Lelyuk – the morphofunctional state of the middle cerebral artery in hypo- and hyperventilation. The vasomotor reactivity index was calculated. Statistical analysis methods were in accordance with generally accepted international standards. Thickening of the intimal media complex of the carotid arteries during ultrasound scanning of head and neck vessels was observed in 73 (100%) patients (intimal media complex more than 0.9 mm) in the area of maximum visual thickening. The vasomotor reactivity index in patients of the 1st study group was 35.4 (11.0; 49.2), in patients of the 2nd group – 46.7 (26.8; 76.4), which is a statistically significant difference, p=0.002, including the distribution of mean values and their descriptions in terms of the median and interquartile range Me (25%; 75%). Thus, patients with controlled hypertension and the history of Covid-19 infection were shown to have impaired cerebral blood flow, which was manifested by a decrease in the vasomotor reactivity index. When examining the main arteries of the head and neck, the vasomotor reactivity index should be determined to assess the state of cerebral hemodynamics and develop treatment measures.