Covid-19 Linked to Long-lasting Heart Risks, Study Finds

New research indicates that a significant symptom of Covid-19 may persist for years, particularly impacting women. Health officials in Ireland have observed a rise in infections, with the emergence of the Stratus variant contributing to the increase. As of August 20, 2023, there have been 461 new Covid-19 cases reported across the country, leading to 158 hospitalizations last week.

According to a study published in the European Heart Journal, Covid-19 infection could accelerate the ageing of blood vessels by approximately five years. This finding is particularly concerning as stiffer blood vessels increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, including heart disease and stroke. The research was led by Professor Rosa Maria Bruno at Université Paris Cité in France.

The study highlights that many individuals who have contracted Covid-19 experience lingering symptoms, with some lasting for months or years. 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.”

The research involved 2,390 participants from 16 countries, with an average age of 50, recruited between September 2020 and February 2022. Among the women in the study, a SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with increased arterial stiffness. The impact was notably greater in women compared to men and was more pronounced in individuals experiencing symptoms of long Covid.

The study found that women who had mild Covid-19 exhibited an average increase in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) of 0.55 metres per second. For those hospitalized, the increase was 0.60 metres per second, while women treated in intensive care experienced an increase of 1.09 metres per second. This increase of around 0.5 metres per second is deemed “clinically relevant,” equating to an acceleration in vascular ageing of approximately five years.

Health officials estimate that individuals affected by this accelerated vascular ageing may face a 3 percent increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease by the age of 60. Professor Bruno emphasized the importance of early identification for those at risk, stating, “If that is happening, we need to identify who is at risk at an early stage to prevent heart attacks and strokes.”

The findings underscore the need for proactive measures to mitigate these risks. Professor Bruno pointed out, “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. For people with accelerated vascular ageing, it is important to do whatever possible to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.”

As Covid-19 cases continue to rise, understanding its long-term effects on health becomes increasingly critical. The research serves as a reminder of the ongoing impact of the pandemic and the urgent need for continued vigilance in public health strategies.