Summary of Even Mild COVID-19 Can Have Long-Term Detrimental Effects on Heart Health:
A new study has shown that even mild cases of COVID-19 can lead to lasting harm to cardiovascular health. The study compared arterial stiffness in participants before and after contracting COVID-19 and found that those diagnosed with mild COVID-19 had stiffer and more dysfunctional arteries that could lead to cardiovascular disease development two to three months after infection. The lingering effects of a COVID-19 infection are connected with a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and, in severe scenarios, death. While COVID-19 has been associated with acute heart failure and vascular dysfunction, the long-term consequences of the disease on vascular health are still being explored. Further research is recommended to strengthen our understanding of causes and contributing factors.
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Why Even Mild COVID-19 Cases Have Lasting Effects on Cardiovascular Health
A recent study conducted by an international team of scientists has found that even mild cases of COVID-19 can have lasting adverse effects on cardiovascular health. The study compared arterial stiffness levels between participants before and after contracting the virus.
Arterial Stiffness and COVID-19
Arterial stiffness is closely tied to our arteries’ aging process and performance, and the study is the first to compare levels of arterial stiffness before and after a COVID-19 infection. In those diagnosed with mild COVID-19, artery and central cardiovascular function were found to be affected by the disease two to three months after infection. Side effects include stiffer and more dysfunctional arteries that could lead to cardiovascular disease development.
Effects on Cardiovascular Health
The lingering effects of a COVID-19 infection, often known as long COVID, are connected with a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and in severe cases, death. The research involved baseline measurements from participants in a pre-pandemic study exploring arterial stiffness. The study was part of the University of Split’s NormPreven project, funded by the Croatian Science Foundation.
Age and Time Contributing Factors
The paper, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, also revealed age and time from COVID infection are associated with increased aging of the arteries. Even young people with a mild form of the disease are at risk, and the study shows that “infection can have harmful effects on cardiovascular health.”
Further, Research Needed
While the study supports the prediction that COVID-19 infections will lead to an increase in cardiovascular disease in the future, further research is needed to understand the causes and contributing factors. The study results have important implications for understanding the long-term cardiovascular consequences of COVID-19 infection and may guide prevention and management strategies for associated vascular disease.
Conclusion
The harmful effects of COVID-19 on cardiovascular health, both in the short and the long term, highlight the importance of prevention and early detection. This study emphasizes the need for continued research in this field to better understand the long-term impact of COVID-19 on arterial health and to develop effective prevention and management strategies. Understanding the complexity of this disease will help us to better prepare for any potential pandemics in the future.
