Having COVID-19 Doubles Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke, Study Finds

A new study, led by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic and the University of Southern California, has revealed that individuals recovering from COVID-19 face an elevated risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. The study highlights the long-term health challenges faced by survivors and underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and preventive care.

Risks Persist Up to Three Years After Diagnosis

According to the study, published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, the risk of fatal heart attack, stroke, or death remains heightened for as long as three years following a COVID-19 diagnosis. Using data from the UK Biobank, the research compared 10,005 individuals who had COVID-19 with 217,730 people who were not infected.

The study found that the cardiovascular risk was notably higher in those hospitalized with severe COVID-19, with hospitalization being a more significant predictor of complications than prior heart disease.

Blood Type Linked to Risk

The study also uncovered a connection between blood type and cardiovascular risk. People with blood types A, B, or AB were shown to have twice the risk of cardiovascular issues post-COVID-19 compared to those with blood type O. This finding aligns with earlier studies suggesting that non-O blood types are more likely to contract COVID-19.

“The association uncovered by our research indicates a potential interaction between the virus and the piece of our genetic code that determines blood type and signals the need for further investigation,” said Dr. Stanley Hazen, co-senior study author and chair of cardiovascular and metabolic sciences at the Cleveland Clinic. “A better understanding of what COVID-19 does at the molecular level may potentially teach us about pathways linked to cardiovascular disease risk.”

Implications for Public Health

These findings raise concerns about the long-term public health burden posed by COVID-19. The authors noted that these cardiovascular risks could contribute to an increase in global heart disease rates. This research highlights the need for clinicians to adopt proactive cardiovascular screening measures and preventive care for individuals recovering from COVID-19, particularly for those at higher risk.