A new study has found that COVID-19 survivors may face a higher risk of heart disease and cardiovascular events for years after infection. Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic discovered that having a COVID positive test increased the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death by two-fold. The risk was even higher for those who had severe COVID, with a three to seven fold increase in cardiovascular events.
The study, which analyzed over 250,000 people, found that the risk extended beyond the initial recovery period, lasting up to three years. This means that individuals may need to take extra precautions to protect their hearts, even after they’ve recovered from the virus.
Additionally, the research revealed that certain blood types, such as A, B, or AB, are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection. Those who received a different type of blood (non-O) were found to have a 65% increased risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke compared to those with type O blood.
Dr. Stanley Hazen, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, hopes that this new information will encourage physicians to ask their patients about their COVID history and take steps to protect their hearts. With ongoing research, it’s clear that COVID-19 survivors must be vigilant about monitoring their cardiovascular health.
Source: https://www.wgem.com/2025/02/04/unexpected-aftermath-covid-heart