A study suggests that Covid-19 may elevate the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and fatalities for up to three years following an infection.

 A study suggests that Covid-19 may elevate the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and fatalities for up to three years following an infection.

A recent large study suggests that Covid-19 may significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes for up to three years following infection. Published in the journal *Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology*, the research analyzed medical records from approximately 250,000 individuals in the UK Biobank.

 

The study identified over 11,000 people who tested positive for Covid-19 in 2020, with nearly 3,000 requiring hospitalization. These individuals were compared to more than 222,000 others without a history of Covid-19 during the same period. The findings revealed that those infected in 2020 faced double the risk of experiencing major cardiac events, such as heart attacks or strokes, compared to those who were uninfected. For those hospitalized due to Covid, the risk was more than three times higher.

 

Notably, the elevated risk appeared to persist without any signs of diminishing over time. Dr. Stanley Hazen, a study author, highlighted this as a surprising finding. Dr. Patricia Best, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic, noted that while infections can generally elevate heart attack risks, those typically decrease shortly after the infection resolves—unlike the sustained risk associated with Covid-19.

 

Researchers remain uncertain about the mechanisms behind these long-term cardiovascular effects. Previous studies have shown that the virus can infect cells lining blood vessels and has been found in arterial plaques that may contribute to heart issues. Dr. Hooman Allayee suggested that Covid-19 could destabilize these plaques, increasing the likelihood of ruptures and clots.

 

The study also examined whether genetic factors related to heart disease or susceptibility to Covid influenced outcomes but found a notable distinction based on blood type. Individuals with non-O blood types (A, B, or AB) faced higher cardiovascular risks, while those with type O blood had a comparatively lower risk after hospitalization, though still at an elevated level.

 

Encouragingly, the research indicated that hospitalized Covid patients taking low-dose aspirin did not show an increased risk of subsequent heart attacks or strokes. Dr. Hazen emphasized the importance of monitoring cardiovascular health in patients with a Covid history, advocating for measures such as blood pressure and cholesterol management, and possibly daily aspirin use.

 

While the study did not assess the impact of Covid-19 vaccinations on heart risks, Dr. Hazen speculated that vaccines might provide protective benefits by reducing the severity of infections. The study also did not explore the potential effects of repeated Covid infections, which have been linked to additional health risks in some research.

 

Overall, the findings underscore the need for vigilance in monitoring cardiovascular health for anyone who has been hospitalized due to Covid-19, regardless of their vaccination status.