A recent study published in the European Heart Journal has revealed that COVID-19 infections, particularly in women, can lead to blood vessels aging around five years due to increased stiffness. Researchers from Université Paris Cité found that people who had been infected with COVID-19, including those with mild symptoms, had stiffer arteries compared to those who were not infected.
The study included 2,390 participants from 16 countries and measured carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), a measure of blood vessel stiffness. The results showed that women had significantly higher PWV values than men, indicating increased vascular aging. Women who experienced persistent symptoms of long COVID, such as shortness of breath and fatigue, also had the greatest increase in PWV.
The study’s lead author, Professor Rosa Maria Bruno, suggests that the COVID-19 virus can directly affect blood vessels, leading to accelerated vascular aging. Researchers believe that this may be due to the virus’s interaction with specific receptors on the lining of blood vessels or inflammation and immune responses triggered by the infection.
However, the study also found that people who had been vaccinated against COVID generally had less stiff arteries than those who were unvaccinated. Over time, the vascular aging associated with COVID infection seemed to stabilize or improve slightly.
The findings have significant implications for cardiovascular health, as increased blood vessel stiffness can lead to a higher risk of heart disease, including stroke and heart attack. The study’s results highlight the importance of monitoring blood vessel stiffness in individuals who have had COVID-19 and identifying those at risk of accelerated vascular aging. By addressing this issue through lifestyle changes, blood pressure-lowering medications, and cholesterol-lowering drugs, researchers aim to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in these individuals.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-covid-infection-ages-blood-vessels.html