The impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular health may extend far beyond the initial infection, with severe cases posing significant risks for years, research indicates.
A comprehensive study conducted by the University of Southern California and the Cleveland Clinic reveals that individuals who have had COVID-19 face double the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes for up to three years following their recovery. Particularly, those who were hospitalized with severe symptoms experienced a risk increase comparable to or greater than individuals who have previously suffered a heart attack.
Dr. David Goff, director of the cardiovascular sciences division at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, which funded the study, expressed concern about these findings. He highlighted that cardiovascular disease is already the leading cause of death globally, and the pandemic has exacerbated these risks.
The research underscores the necessity for healthcare providers to consider a patient’s COVID-19 history when assessing their risk for cardiovascular issues, which can include heart inflammation, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Dr. Stanley Hazen, chair of the department of cardiovascular and metabolic sciences at the Cleveland Clinic and co-author of the study, advises that those with a history of severe COVID-19 should be regarded as high-risk for future cardiovascular events.
Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, chief of research and development at the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Healthcare System, supports these findings. His analysis of data from a national Veterans Affairs database showed an increased incidence of adverse cardiac events, irregular heartbeats, and blood clotting disorders among COVID-19 patients compared to those uninfected, with the risks diminishing but remaining elevated for those hospitalized after three years.
Further investigations into how COVID-19 facilitates cardiovascular disease suggest that the virus may cause damage to endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, leading to inflammation and potential heart attacks or strokes. Dr. Goff explained that this could be due to the disruption of existing plaque in the arteries, leading to clots.
An interesting find from the study is that individuals with non-O blood types (A, B, or AB) are at a higher risk of heart disease post-COVID-19 infection, suggesting a potential link between blood type and clotting risk.
To mitigate these risks, medical experts strongly recommend vaccination and booster shots, which not only reduce the severity of the infection but also aid in the body’s ability to clear the virus, thereby decreasing the likelihood of long-term complications.
Dr. Goff advises patients who have recovered from severe COVID-19 to engage in preventive measures like maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco. These steps, coupled with medical interventions such as statins or low-dose aspirin for those at heightened risk, can help manage and potentially reduce the long-term cardiovascular consequences of COVID-19.
