Individuals with severe COVID-19 infection may face twice the risk of experiencing heart attacks and strokes during the initial wave of the pandemic, according to a new study. The research, published this week in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology and supported by the National Institutes of Health, showed that the increased risk may persist for up to three years.
The study found that people who have ever been infected with COVID-19 are twice as likely to experience heart attack, stroke and mortality as people who have never been infected. Additionally, for people who were hospitalized due to the virus, the risk increases fourfold.
According to Dr. Hooman Allahi, the study’s principal investigator, the cardiovascular risks posed by severe COVID-19 are comparable to those associated with type 2 diabetes.
“There was a steady decline in cardiovascular mortality rates from 2010 to 2019. Then, suddenly, between 2020 and 2022, ten years of progress was completely destroyed due to COVID-19,” Dr. Allayi said. The findings particularly highlight the risks associated with different blood types, showing that individuals with blood types A, B and AB are more vulnerable to increased cardiovascular complications from Covid-19, while those with type O People display low risk.
The research used data from the UK Biobank, which includes predominantly older, wealthier and mostly white participants. However, according to Dr. Allayi, similar studies in other demographics have found comparable results.
Emphasizing the important role of vaccination, Dr. Allayi said, “No matter which vaccine you get, after just six months of vaccination or booster, the chances of heart attack and stroke go down. But Immunity wanes over time, which is why you need a booster.”
Individuals who have severe COVID-19, particularly those requiring hospitalization, are urged to consult with their healthcare providers about the potential long-term health effects of the virus. “It’s not going away, so we have to start talking about it. Be aware of your vaccinations and boosters and get regular checkups,” Dr. Allayi advised.
