COVID-19 always has a way to come back and bite you.
For instance, new research from the Cleveland Clinic suggests that catching COVID could double the risk of experiencing adverse cardiovascular events in the future, including heart attacks, strokes or even death.
This is concerning since Covid is the fourth leading cause of death in the nation as of 2022, which is the most recent year data is available.
This is shocking news since the thought of contracting COVID these days hasn’t seemed as big of a deal as it did back in 2020.
Despite what many might think, catching COVID isn’t the same as catching the flu, and that’s because its impact could be long-lasting.
“One of the unique features of COVID is that in some people, there unfortunately appear to be long-term adverse effects that can occur following resolution of the acute infection. These studies add to the growing body of data showing that COVID-19 infection can enhance risk for experiencing adverse cardiac events — heart attack, stroke and death — over time,” Dr. Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD, co-senior author of the study and chair of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences at Cleveland Clinic, said.
Since the COVID-19 virus has only been around since 2019, data surrounding its long-term effects aren’t entirely known yet. However, according to Dr. Hazen, the data shows that even three years after getting COVID, there’s a heightened risk for a heart attack or a stroke.
“This was seen in all subjects independent of age, sex, risk factors for cardiac disease,” he noted.
So why does COVID greatly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke? For Dr. Hazen, blood type plays a huge role.
According to Dr. Gerhard Albrecht, MD, medical director of cardiology at Bayer, blood types A, B and AB (blood types other than O) are more at risk for experiencing adverse cardiovascular events after contracting COVID.
“This connection may involve genetic factors that influence how the body responds to the virus and its aftermath, particularly in relation to thrombotic events [when a blood clot forms in an artery or vein] and cardiovascular health,” he stated.
Some key ways to better protect yourself include getting vaccinated and boosted. “The more severe the COVID-19 infection, the higher the risk for post-COVID-19 heightened cardiac risks,” Dr. Hazen explained.
According to Cardiologist Dr. Danielle Belardo, MD, studies have shown that those who’ve received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine experienced a reduced risk of stroke and heart attack in the months after an infection.
“Vaccination appears to mitigate some of the cardiovascular risks associated with COVID, although further research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits,” Belardo affirmed.
Another way is to maintain heart-healthy habits, which means keeping a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and adopting habits that reduce stress. According to both Dr. Hazen and Dr. Albrecht, individuals with poor heart health are more impacted by COVID, and the more serious an infection is, the higher the risk of experiencing adverse cardiovascular effects in the future.
“Research indicates that those hospitalized for severe COVID face nearly four times the risk of major cardiovascular events compared to individuals without a COVID history. This heightened risk persists for up to three years post-infection, suggesting a strong link between the severity of the illness and long-term cardiovascular health,” Dr. Albrecht stated.
Lastly, staying up to date with your check-ups is crucial.
Along with a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle, regular cardiovascular check-ups and discussions with healthcare providers regarding preventative measures, such as medications or lifestyle changes, are vital to lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke.
If you’re in good shape, stay on top of your annual check-ins with your doctor. However, if cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, or strokes run in your family or you’re at a higher risk of experiencing them, plan a visit to your cardiologist annually to manage your risk.
Interview Title: Understanding the Long-Term Cardiovascular Risks of COVID-19
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Hazen and Dr. Albrecht. Thank you for joining us today to shed light on the concerning findings related to COVID-19 and cardiovascular health from the recent research at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Hazen, let’s start with you. Could you summarize the key findings regarding COVID-19 and its link to cardiovascular risks?
Dr. Stanley Hazen: Thank you for having us. The study suggests that individuals who have contracted COVID-19 may have a double risk of experiencing serious cardiovascular events—such as heart attacks and strokes—years after the initial infection. This is a crucial point because the impacts of COVID-19 extend far beyond the acute phase of the illness. Although it’s been only a few years since the pandemic began, our ongoing research shows that this risk remains elevated, regardless of age, sex, or pre-existing cardiac conditions.
Time.news Editor: That sounds alarming. Many people might have assumed that once they recovered from COVID-19, they would be back to normal. What are some specific long-term effects that people should be aware of?
Dr. Stanley Hazen: Indeed, that’s a common misconception. One unique aspect of COVID-19 is its potential for long-term negative effects post-recovery—what we now refer to as “long COVID.” In particular, we’ve observed an elevated risk for not just heart attacks but also strokes and unfortunately, even increased mortality. It’s crucial for individuals to understand that recovery doesn’t necessarily equate to a clean bill of health.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Albrecht, you mentioned that blood types may play a significant role in the heightened risks after contracting COVID-19. Can you elaborate on this?
Dr. Gerhard Albrecht: Absolutely. Our research indicates that individuals with blood types A, B, and AB are at a greater risk of experiencing adverse cardiovascular events following COVID-19 infection compared to those with type O blood. This potentially involves genetic and biological factors that influence how the body responds to the virus, particularly regarding thrombosis and cardiovascular health. It highlights the need for tailored recommendations based on blood type.
Time.news Editor: That certainly adds another layer of complexity. Given these findings, what steps can individuals take to protect their cardiovascular health post-COVID?
Dr. Stanley Hazen: Vaccination is a critical protective measure. We’ve seen that those who receive their vaccinations, especially those who are fully vaccinated, tend to have a reduced risk of severe outcomes, including heart attacks and strokes. It’s also important to monitor and manage cardiovascular health proactively, especially for those who have had COVID-19.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Belardo, you’ve pointed out the potential benefits of vaccination in mitigating these risks. Could you share some insights on how vaccination influences cardiovascular health post-infection?
Dr. Danielle Belardo: Yes, studies have indeed shown that individuals who received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine experienced lower rates of strokes and heart attacks in the months following an infection. While more research is needed to understand all the long-term implications fully, vaccination appears to provide a protective effect against some of the cardiovascular risks associated with COVID-19.
Time.news Editor: This information is tremendously valuable, especially as we continue to navigate the consequences of this pandemic. Do you both believe that public awareness regarding cardiovascular risks associated with COVID-19 is sufficient?
Dr. Stanley Hazen: Unfortunately, no. There’s still a significant gap in public knowledge about the long-term effects of COVID-19, particularly those related to cardiovascular health. Increasing awareness through education and healthcare discussions is essential for helping individuals take appropriate precautions.
Dr. Gerhard Albrecht: I agree. Awareness can empower individuals to seek preventive care and be vigilant about their health. It’s crucial to keep these discussions ongoing as we learn more about COVID-19 and its implications.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hazen and Dr. Albrecht, for sharing your expert perspectives on this critical issue. It’s clear that understanding and addressing the long-term impacts of COVID-19 is vital for public health. We appreciate your insights and look forward to seeing further research developments in this area.