Covid-19 Symptoms Could Lead to Long-Term Heart Risks, Experts Warn

Recent research highlights a persistent symptom of Covid-19 that may last for several years, notably affecting women. Health experts are increasingly concerned that the infection accelerates the ageing of blood vessels, which raises the risk of heart disease. As of August 20, 2023, Ireland reported 461 new Covid-19 cases, with the Stratus variant contributing significantly to this increase. Last week, 158 individuals were hospitalised due to complications related to the virus.

A study published in the European Heart Journal reveals that Covid-19 can lead to an acceleration of blood vessel ageing by approximately five years, particularly among women. The research, led by Professor Rosa Maria Bruno from Université Paris Cité in France, indicates that individuals with stiffer blood vessels are at a heightened risk for cardiovascular complications, including heart attacks and strokes.

Professor Bruno stated, “Since the pandemic, we have learned that many people who have had Covid are left with symptoms that can last for months or even years. However, we are still learning what’s happening in the body to create these symptoms.” She emphasized the need for early identification of individuals at risk to prevent serious health issues.

The study involved 2,390 participants, with an average age of 50, from 16 different countries between September 2020 and February 2022. Among the findings, a SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with stiffer arteries, particularly in women and those experiencing long Covid symptoms. The research showed that women who had mild Covid exhibited an average increase in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) of 0.55 metres per second. This figure rose to 0.60 metres per second for those hospitalised and reached 1.09 metres per second for women treated in intensive care.

The increase of around 0.5 metres per second in PWV is considered “clinically relevant,” as it correlates with an ageing effect of about five years on blood vessels. Health officials noted that this increase can lead to a 3 percent rise in the risk of cardiovascular disease for a 60-year-old woman.

Professor Bruno highlighted, “Vascular ageing is easy to measure and can be addressed with widely available treatments, such as lifestyle changes, blood pressure-lowering, and cholesterol-lowering drugs.” She urged the importance of mitigating risks for individuals with accelerated vascular ageing to lower the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.

As Covid-19 cases continue to rise, the emphasis on understanding the long-term effects of the virus on cardiovascular health is increasingly pertinent. With ongoing research, health authorities aim to develop targeted interventions to support those affected and improve overall public health outcomes.