Long COVID heart disease: A recently-conducted study has raised fresh concerns over the lingering health impact of long COVID, blowing the lid off a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, even among individuals who experienced only mild infections initially. Researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden found that people suffering from long COVID are more prone to contracting cardiac arrhythmias and coronary artery disease.

The findings were published in eClinicalMedicine, and outline the growing burden of post-COVID complications on health systems globally. 

Elevated risks observed across genders

Pia Lindberg led the study, and analysed health data from as many as 1.2 million individuals aged between 18 and 65. Out of these, 9,000 participants had been diagnosed with long COVID, with women accounting for nearly two-thirds of the cases. Over a follow-up period of four years, it came to pass that individuals with long COVID were found to be more susceptible to cardiovascular ailments, compared with those without the condition Among females with long COVID, 18.2% suffered an untoward cardiovascular event, compared to 8.4% in those without. For men, the figures froze at 20.6% versus 11.1%. 

The study noted, “Women with long COVID had just over twice the risk of receiving a cardiovascular diagnosis compared with women without the condition, while men faced roughly a one-third higher risk.” 

Long COVID heart disease: Additional risk highlighted for females in study

Furthermore, the research also underscored gender-specific health concerns. While both men and women exhibited increased incidences of arrhythmias and coronary artery disease, women with long COVID additionally stood at a higher risk of heart failure and peripheral vascular disease. However, the study did not find any clear link between long COVID and an increased risk of heart stroke. 

Experts call for long-term monitoring

Experts, after going through the study, warned that the findings underscore the need for structured, long-term follow-up care. Notably, many persons diagnosed with long COVID were never hospitalized during their initial infection, raising the probability that secondary complications may go undiagnosed. Lingberg said, “Long COVID can act as a risk factor for cardiovascular ailments, even in younger individuals who observed a healthy lifestyle previously. 

As long COVID continues to haunt millions of people worldwide, the study adds to mounting evidence that its impact extends far beyond the initial illness, jeopardising heart health.

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