Study shows risk of heart attack and stroke may increase after COVID infection

A previous COVID infection could make you more vulnerable to a heart attack, stroke or death, according to a new study from the Cleveland Clinic and the University of Southern California.

Researchers found that the risk of a major cardiac event doubled in the three years after a positive COVID test – even among people with no history of heart disease.

Researchers analyzed data from 10,005 people aged 50 and over who had contracted COVID and 217,730 people who had not contracted the virus, obtained from the UK biobank between February and December 2020.

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The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, was published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.

“These studies add to the growing body of data showing that COVID-19 infection may increase the risk of adverse cardiac events over time,” co-senior study author Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD, Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine and metabolic sciences at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and co-chief of preventive cardiology, Fox News Digital said.

The researchers were surprised to find that the increased risk remained the same over the three-year period.

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“The two-fold increased risk seen in the first year after infection was also seen in the second and even the third year,” Hazen noted.

“This was observed in all subjects, regardless of age, gender or risk factors for heart disease.”

Those who had more severe adverse symptoms had a slightly higher risk than those with milder symptoms.

The researchers were surprised to find that the increased risk remained the same over the three-year period. (iStock)

“In particular, subjects who had a severe COVID-19 infection and required hospitalization had an even higher risk of experiencing a major adverse cardiac event (MACE = myocardial infarction, stroke or death) in the following three years of follow-up.” said Hazen.

The study found that blood type also influences risk.

People with a blood type other than O – such as A, B or AB – had twice the risk of a major cardiac event than people with blood type O.

“This study confirms what many of us have seen anecdotally over the past five years.”

It has also been shown that people with O blood have a higher risk of developing a COVID infection.

“Given our collective observations and the fact that 60% of the world’s population has these non-O blood types, our study raises important questions about whether more aggressive efforts to reduce cardiovascular risk should be considered, perhaps taking into account one’s genetic makeup Person,” Hazen said in a news release.

Based on these findings, researchers recommend healthcare professionals consider COVID-19 as a risk factor for heart disease. (iStock)

Dr. Bradley Serwer, cardiologist and chief physician at VitalSolution, a Based in Cincinnati, Ohio The company, which provides cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals nationwide, was not involved in the research but commented on the “interesting” findings.

“This study confirms what many of us have seen anecdotally over the last five years,” he told Fox News Digital.

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“Since the outbreak began, we have observed cardiac complications, including inflammation of the heart, a tendency to form blood clots, and an increase in cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation.”

“The lead author, Dr. Hazen, has some intriguing theories that I suspect will be tested in the future.”

Reducing risk

Based on these findings, Hazen recommends healthcare professionals consider COVID-19 as a risk factor for heart disease.

“Heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide,” he noted.

People with a blood type other than O – such as A, B or AB – had twice the risk of a major cardiac event than people with blood type O. (iStock)

“With over a billion people worldwide sick with COVID-19 to date, these studies show that this is no small problem – and I hope this serves as a reminder to take global preventative measures to reduce cardiovascular risk to take attack.”

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These efforts include monitoring cholesterol levels and blood pressure, implementing an exercise program, and adopting a more conscious diet.

Doctors recommend monitoring cholesterol levels and blood pressure, implementing an exercise program, and paying attention to diet to reduce the risk. (iStock)

“Please let this study be a reminder – if you are 50 or older and have had COVID, ask if there is anything else you can do to reduce your heart risk,” Hazen advised.

“Also, be sure to stay up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.”

Experts agree that more research is needed

Experts acknowledged that the study had some limitations.

“These results signal the need for further investigation,” Hazen said.

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“A better understanding of what COVID-19 does at the molecular level could potentially give us insight into the pathways associated with cardiovascular disease risk.”

Serwer agreed, adding, “This study shows an association but does not prove causation.”