Photo Source: Angela Petrosyan
A study conducted at Zhongshan Hospital in Shanghai has shed light on the hidden heart dangers posed by COVID-19. The research reveals that the virus accelerates the buildup of plaque in coronary arteries, significantly increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes long after recovery.
Published on 4 February in Radiology, the journal of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), the findings bring attention to the virus’s long-term cardiovascular consequences.
Inflammation’s Hidden Consequences
The lingering effects of COVID-19 are not confined to the lungs, with the virus also contributing to severe cardiovascular risks. Dr. Junbo Ge, senior author of the study, noted that while SARS-CoV-2 is typically linked to acute lung injury and respiratory failure, it also causes an intense inflammatory response that impacts the heart,
“COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is initially characterised by acute lung injury and respiratory failure. However, emerging evidence indicates COVID-19 also involves an extreme inflammatory response that can affect the cardiovascular system.” This ongoing inflammation, Dr. Ge states, persists long after recovery, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
Examining the Heart’s Response to COVID-19
Researchers used coronary CT angiography (CCTA) to study how COVID-19 affects the heart, focusing on inflammation, plaque buildup, and high-risk blockages in the coronary arteries.
The study included 803 patients who underwent CCTA between 2018 and 2023. Among them were 329 patients imaged before the pandemic, 474 during, and 25 who had previously contracted SARS-CoV-2. By comparing these groups, researchers found notable differences in cardiovascular health between those who had been infected and those who hadn’t.
Increased Plaque Growth and Artery Blockages
The study, which analysed 2,588 coronary artery lesions, revealed a troubling disparity between COVID-19 patients and those who remained uninfected. Among the lesions, 2,108 were found in COVID-19 patients, with 480 found in uninfected individuals.
Plaque growth was notably faster in the COVID-19 group, with lesions 20.1% more likely to develop into high-risk plaques compared to 15.8% in uninfected patients. Furthermore, coronary inflammation levels were higher in infected patients, reaching 27% versus 19.9% in uninfected patients.
Most alarmingly, 10.4% of lesions in COVID-19 patients progressed to failure, a significant indicator of heart attack or stroke risk, compared to just 3.1% in uninfected individuals. Dr. Ge highlighted the long-term dangers,
“Inflammation following COVID-19 can lead to ongoing plaque growth, particularly in high-risk, noncalcified plaques. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are at increased risk for myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, and stroke for up to a year.”
Long-Term Risks Beyond Initial Recovery
The study highlights a disturbing trend: cardiovascular risks related to COVID-19 persist long after patients recover from the acute infection. Regardless of factors like age, hypertension, or diabetes, those who had COVID-19 remain at an increased risk of developing serious heart conditions.
Dr. Ge emphasised the critical need for long-term cardiovascular monitoring, cautioning that these risks may not resolve with the end of the infection. “Effective management strategies for these patients are imperative.”
The research suggests that COVID-19 accelerates cardiovascular disease, particularly by worsening existing plaque buildup and inflammation, but further investigation is necessary to fully understand the mechanisms and develop effective prevention and treatment approaches.
A Looming Cardiovascular Crisis?
Researchers are warning that the global recovery from COVID-19 could lead to a rising tide of cardiovascular issues in the future. Dr. Ge cautioned that healthcare systems should prepare for the long-term effects of the virus on heart health, which could result in a heavier burden of cardiovascular disease cases,
“It’s crucial to anticipate a heavier cardiovascular patient burden in the future as most infected individuals recover from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.”