Decreased Heart Rate Variability in COVID-19

Review Data

Q: Is the topic relevant to the journal area of interest? Is it contemporary and interesting for

researchers?

A: Good

Abstract & Keywords

Q: Are all required components included in the abstract? Are the keywords appropriately chosen?

A: Good

Goal

Q: Is the goal explicitly stated in the Introduction? Is its formulation clear and unambiguous?

A: Good

Structure

Q: Is the paper's structure coherent? Is it in coherence with the goal of the paper?

A: Good

Tools and Methods

Q: Are methods the author uses adequate and well used?

A: Good

Discussion & Conclusion

Q: Is it related to the results presented before? Do you consider them as coherent?

A: Good

Comments: The Discussion puts forth an overview of the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 and its functional receptor. It highlights the significance of understanding the damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 to the cardiovascular system. Further, the Discussion indicates the specific relationship of heart rate with body temperature providing relevant literature. The authors also suggest an early detection of the preclinical phase of cardiac autonomic dysfunction that may help treat and control cardiovascular risk factors. Lastly, the Discussion states that either the mechanisms of COVID-19 and/or the antiviral drugs used for treatment might affect heart rate variability (HRV).

Literature

Q: Does the author utilize relevant literature?

A: Good

Author's knowledge

Q: What is the level of the author’s knowledge? Does the author utilize all recent contributions relevant to the topic?

A: Good

Length

Q: Is the length of the paper adequate to the significance of the topic? Do you suggest shortening the paper without losing its value?

A: Good

Figures & Tables

Q: Does the author use them suitably? Are legend and notations clear?

A: Good

Writing style

Q: Is it clear and understandable?

A: Good

Comments: There are few errors found in the manuscript, which are as follows:

·       Under Introduction, 2^nd paragraph, 3^rd sentence “SARS-Cov-2 viruse is potent inducer of inflammatory cytokines” must be written as “SARS-CoV-2 virus is a potent inducer of inflammatory cytokines”.

·       Under Discussion, 2^nd paragraph, 5^th sentence, “Previous data show that older patients (aged >60 years) who are infected with SARS-CoV-2…” should be “Previous data show that older patients (aged >60 years) who were infected with SARS-CoV-2”.

Further comments on the paper

Comments: The manuscript establishes 3 COVID-19 cases affecting the autonomic nervous system and the sinus node leading to decreased heart rate variability. The report mainly highlights cardiac injury caused by SARS-CoV-2. Further, the manuscript describes the cases of the patients suffering from COVID-19 and their reason behind death, providing relevant demographic and clinical characteristics followed by changes in the heart rates and body temperatures.

Q: Would you recommend this manuscript for further publication?

A: Yes - Suitable to be published

If you have any questions and clarifications you can write to the journal.

Thanks,
Science Repository Team