Long after recovery from COVID-19, people face significantly higher risks for new heart problems, a large study has found.
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs compared rates of new cardiovascular problems in 153,760 individuals infected with the coronavirus before vaccines were available, 5.6 million people who did not catch the virus, and another 5.9 million people whose data was collected before the pandemic.
An average of one year after their recovery from the acute phase of the infection, the COVID-19 survivors had a 63% higher risk for heart attack, a 69% higher risk for problematic irregular heart rhythm, a 52% higher risk of stroke, a 72% higher risk of heart failure, and a nearly three times higher risk of a potentially fatal blood clot in the lungs compared with the other two groups, according to a report published on Monday in Nature Medicine.
Yes, while though COVID-19 mainly affects the lungs or respiratory system, the heart may also be negatively impacted.
There are various reasons why heart tissue may sustain temporary or permanent injury.
Insufficient oxygen. Less oxygen can enter the circulation when the virus inflames the lungs and fills them with fluid. People who already have heart problems may find it harmful as their heart will have to work harder to pump blood throughout their bodies. Excessive strain on the heart or inadequate oxygen supply can result in tissue damage and cell death inside the heart and other organs.
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