Justification of the optimal set of diagnostic methods for examining the cardiovascular system of electric train drivers who have had COVID-19

Introduction. Employees in the transportation industry are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, influenced by factors including the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Using instrumental, clinical, laboratory diagnostic methods provides an informative way to comprehensively diagnose of the cardiovascular system functional state, which is important for identifying early markers of disease.

Materials and Methods. Ninety electric train drivers (average age 41.0±6.0 years) were examined: 65 had had SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first and second quarters of 2022, while 25 served as the control group. The study included medical histories, anthropometrics, lipid profiles, ultrasounds, and functional diagnostics. The data were analyzed by the COVID-19 severity and blood pressure levels.

Results. Elevated blood pressure was detected in 58.5% of patients. Of those, 60.9% had impaired left ventricular relaxation, 42.4% had increased vascular resistance, and 52.2% and 30.4% had extravascular and intravascular carotid artery dilation, respectively. No arrhythmias, ischemia, or abnormal heart rates were detected. Obese drivers were more likely to have hypertension. Employees over 40 years of age have a 7.5% higher risk of cardiovascular events.

Limitations. There are quantitative limitations due to the number of train drivers with COVID-19.

Conclusions. To determine cardiovascular pathology, significant parameters included not only clinical data and blood pressure indicator values, but also linear dimensions and diastolic left ventricular function, as well as vascular resistance index at extracranial and intracranial levels. While the study of the brachiocephalic arteries is recommended as a mandatory method for identifying markers of cardiovascular disease in electric train drivers who have recovered from COVID-19.

Compliance with ethical standards. This study was approved by the local ethics committee of the Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health (extract from Protocol No. 1 dated 16.02.2022). All participants gave informed voluntary written consent to participate in the study.

Contribution:
Gerasimidi S.K. – research concept, collection and processing of material, writing of the text;
Glukhov D.V. – research concept and design;
Eremeeva A.G. – statistical processing of the material, text editing;
Kalinina S.A. – literature review, text editing.
All authors are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of the manuscript final version.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgment. The study had no sponsorship.

Received: July 24, 2053 / Revised: August 6, 2053 / Accepted: October 15, 2053 / Published: November 14, 2025

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