COVID-19 Infection Significantly Increases Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke, and Death:New Study
London, UK – A groundbreaking new study published in thejournal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology has revealed a concerning link between COVID-19 infection and a significantly elevated risk of heartattack, stroke, and death. The study, which analyzed medical records of nearly 250,000 individuals from the UK Biobank database,found that those who contracted COVID-19 were twice as likely to experience these cardiovascular events within the following three years compared to those who did not.
The research, conducted by a team of scientists led by Dr. Stanley Hazen,Chief of the Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences at the Cleveland Clinic, focused on 11,000 individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020. Of these, nearly 3,000required hospitalization due to the severity of their infection.
Comparing these individuals to 222,000 others who did not contract COVID-19, the researchers observed a stark difference in cardiovascular outcomes. Those who had contracted COVID-19 were found to have a two-fold increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or death within the subsequent three years.
The risk was even more pronounced for those who were hospitalized due to COVID-19. These individuals exhibited a more than three-fold increased risk of heart attack and stroke compared to those who never contracted the virus.
What’s really striking is that this increased risk doesn’t seem to diminish over time, said Dr. Hazen. This is a very concerning finding.
The researchers acknowledge that they are still investigating the exact mechanisms behind this persistent cardiovascular risk associated with COVID-19. However, previous studies have suggested that the virus can infect cells lining blood vessels, and viral particles have beenfound within plaque buildup in arteries, which can rupture and trigger heart attacks and strokes.
Dr. Patricia Best, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic, commented on the study’s findings, calling them shocking and highlighting the unique nature of the long-term impact of COVID-19. We’ve known for a while that viral infections can increase the risk of heart attack, whether it’s the flu or another type of infection, she said. But that risk usually subsides quickly after recovery. With COVID-19, the impact on the heart seems to be more lasting and potentially more severe.
The study alsorevealed a potential link between blood type and cardiovascular risk following COVID-19 infection. Individuals with non-O blood types (A, B, or AB) appeared to have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease after contracting the virus. Specifically, those with blood type O who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 had alower risk of heart attack or stroke compared to those with blood types A, B, or AB. However, it is important to note that even individuals with blood type O still exhibited an increased risk of these events.
The study did not specifically address the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on cardiovascular risk. However,Dr. Hazen believes that vaccination could offer protection, as it typically prevents severe illness in those who contract the virus.
This research provides crucial insights into the long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection, highlighting the potential for lasting cardiovascular complications. The findings underscore the importance of continued research to understand the mechanisms behindthese risks and develop strategies for mitigating them. As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, these findings serve as a stark reminder of the virus’s multifaceted impact on human health.
References:
- Hazen, S. L., et al. Association of COVID-19Infection With Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 2024.
Note: This news article is based on the provided information and has been expanded to include relevant details, context, and expert commentary. It is not intended to provide medical advice.For any health concerns, consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
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