COVID-19 is not just a respiratory illness but can silently attack the heart, according to new research. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has been found to accelerate plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes long after recovery.
A recent study published in Radiology found that COVID-19 is linked to accelerated plaque buildup in coronary arteries, which increases the risk of cardiovascular complications. Researchers used coronary CT angiography to examine changes in tissue surrounding the coronary arteries and analyzed signs of inflammation, plaque buildup, and high-risk arterial blockages.
The study included 803 patients who underwent CCTA between September 2018 and October 2023, with 474 patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic. The researchers compared baseline and follow-up measurements of plaque volume changes, high-risk plaque presence, and inflammation in COVID-19 patients versus uninfected patients.
The study found that plaque growth was faster in SARS-CoV-2 patients, with a higher incidence of developing into high-risk plaques and coronary inflammation. Patients with COVID-19 also had a higher risk of target lesion failure, indicating increased heart attack or stroke risk.
According to the study’s senior author, Junbo Ge, M.D., 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 cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, and stroke for up to a year.
The study’s findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection may exacerbate cardiovascular risk by accelerating the progression of susceptible plaques and coronary inflammation. To address this issue, effective management strategies are necessary for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, regardless of comorbidities such as age, hypertension, and diabetes.
The study’s authors emphasize the need for long-term cardiovascular monitoring to anticipate a heavier patient burden in the future as most infected individuals recover from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/doctors-warn-covid-19-could-be-a-hidden-trigger-for-heart-attacks-long-after-recovery