Covid-19 Accelerates Blood Vessel Ageing, Impacting Women’s Health

Health authorities in Ireland have reported a concerning link between Covid-19 and cardiovascular health, particularly affecting women. A recent study indicates that the infection may accelerate the ageing of blood vessels, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease for those who have contracted the virus. As of August 20, 2023, there have been 461 new Covid-19 infections reported across the country, driven largely by the emerging Stratus variant, which has resulted in 158 hospitalisations last week.

Research published in the European Heart Journal highlights that Covid-19 could lead to significant vascular changes, with a focus on its long-term implications. The study, led by Professor Rosa Maria Bruno from Université Paris Cité in France, suggests that infection may cause blood vessels to age approximately five years, particularly in women.

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 to identify those at risk early to prevent serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes.

The research involved 2,390 participants from 16 countries, with an average age of 50, and was conducted between September 2020 and February 2022. Findings revealed that women who experienced a SARS-CoV-2 infection had significantly stiffer arteries compared to their male counterparts. The increase in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) was notably pronounced: women with mild Covid experienced an increase of 0.55 meters per second, while those hospitalised saw an increase of 0.60 meters per second, and those in intensive care experienced a rise of 1.09 meters per second.

This increase in PWV, approximately 0.5 meters per second, is deemed “clinically relevant” as it is equivalent to five years of vascular ageing. Furthermore, health authorities highlighted that this condition could raise the risk of cardiovascular disease by 3 percent in a 60-year-old woman.

As health officials work to understand the full impact of Covid-19 on long-term health, Professor Bruno pointed out the importance of addressing vascular ageing. “Vascular ageing is easy to measure and can be addressed with widely available treatments, such as lifestyle changes and medications for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol,” she noted.

Given the potential for long-term health implications stemming from Covid-19, it is crucial for individuals, particularly women, to remain vigilant about their cardiovascular health. The ongoing research aims to provide clearer insights into how the virus affects the body, ultimately guiding preventive measures to reduce the risk of severe heart-related complications.