
Covid-19 may prematurely age blood vessels by approximately five years, according to a groundbreaking study published in the European Heart Journal. This revelation raises concerns about an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly among women.
The research indicates that a Covid infection can accelerate the ageing of blood vessels, a phenomenon described as “early vascular ageing.” This effect is notably less pronounced in vaccinated individuals, who exhibit reduced arterial stiffening and more stabilized symptoms over time compared to those unvaccinated.
Understanding Vascular Ageing
Lead researcher Professor Rosa Maria Bruno from Université Paris Cité explained the implications of the findings: “We know that Covid can directly affect blood vessels. We believe that this may result in what we call early vascular ageing, meaning that your blood vessels are older than your chronological age and you are more susceptible to heart disease.”
“If that is happening, we need to identify who is at risk at an early stage to prevent heart attacks and strokes.”
The study involved nearly 2,500 participants worldwide, categorized based on their Covid status and hospitalization level. Tests were conducted six months post-infection and again at the 12-month mark. Using a specialized device, researchers measured each participant’s vascular age by examining the speed of blood pressure waves traveling between the neck and leg arteries. A higher speed indicated stiffer blood vessels and a greater vascular age.
Gender Differences in Vascular Ageing
The study found that all groups of Covid-infected patients had stiffer arteries than those uninfected. The average increase in arterial stiffness was 0.55 meters per second for women with mild Covid, 0.60 for those hospitalized, and 1.09 for those in intensive care.
According to researchers, an increase of around 0.5 meters per second is “clinically relevant” and equivalent to ageing around five years. It also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, like heart attack, stroke or sudden cardiac arrest, in 60-year-old women by 3 per cent.
The disparity between men and women may be attributed to differences in immune system responses. Prof Bruno noted, “Women mount a more rapid and robust immune response, which can protect them from infection. However, this same response can also increase damage to blood vessels after the initial infection.”
She further explained that the virus targets specific receptors located in the lining of blood vessels, using them to enter and infect cells.
Implications of the Stratus Strain
Meanwhile, a new strain of Covid, known as Stratus, has been spreading across the UK, accounting for around 30% of recent cases. Experts have warned that this strain is resisting immunity and presents a unique symptom of causing a hoarse voice.
The emergence of the Stratus strain underscores the ongoing challenges in managing Covid-19 and its long-term health implications. As researchers continue to unravel the complexities of the virus and its effects on the human body, the importance of vaccination and early detection remains paramount.
Looking Ahead
The findings of this study highlight the critical need for ongoing research into the long-term cardiovascular impacts of Covid-19. Identifying individuals at risk for early vascular ageing could lead to targeted interventions aimed at preventing severe cardiovascular events.
As the global health community grapples with the evolving nature of Covid-19, understanding its hidden effects on the body is essential for developing effective public health strategies and treatments. The study’s insights into vascular ageing provide a crucial piece of the puzzle in the fight against this persistent virus.