Comparisons of cardiovascular markers before and after the pandemic: a population-based study

Mayssam Nehme, Maria Eugenia Zaballa, Serguei, Julien Lamour, Silvia Stringhini, Idris Guessous for the Bus Santé study group.
Pre- and post-pandemic comparisons in cardiovascular markers: a population-based studyFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, January 2025, doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1434141

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2020, has raised concerns about its long-term health impacts, particularly on cardiovascular health and associated biomarkers. This study, conducted as part of the Health Bus study in Geneva, Switzerland, compares the cardiovascular and metabolic profiles of individuals aged 30-75 years before the pandemic (2016-2019) and after the pandemic (2023-2024).

Methodology: Participants completed questionnaires and took part in a medical check-up, including a physical examination and fasting blood test, to assess their lipid (fat in the blood) and glycaemic (blood sugar) profiles. The results were analysed using statistical models to calculate averages for blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), cholesterol and glucose levels, taking into account age, sex, smoking habits and socio-economic status.

Results: A total of 4,558 participants were included in the study. The researchers observed slight decreases in the average levels of glucose, cholesterol, HDL and LDL after the pandemic, while blood pressure remained stable. The prevalence and treatment rates of diabetes, hypertension and lipid disorders did not change significantly. Furthermore, the percentage of people unaware that they were suffering from these conditions remained stable.

Conclusion: Despite initial fears of a deterioration in health linked to the pandemic, the results show that cardiovascular profiles remained healthy overall after the pandemic. This could be explained by improvements in lifestyle habits. This study highlights the importance of monitoring cardiovascular health and suggests that the positive behaviours adopted by populations in developed countries such as Switzerland could offset the potential negative effects of the pandemic.

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