Northwestern Medicine Shares New Findings on the Impact of Long Covid on Patients
Chicago – Northwestern Medicine has recently released new findings from a groundbreaking study on the impact of long Covid on patients. The study, conducted since May 2020, examined Covid-19 patients who received in-person care or telehealth services.
Over the course of 21 months, from May 2020 to February 2022, more than 1,800 patients were included in the study. The researchers at Northwestern Medicine made several significant discoveries regarding the long-term effects of Covid-19.
The study revealed that 85% of the patients reported a decreased quality of life, while more than half (51%) experienced cognitive impairment. Altered lung function was observed in 45% of the patients, and 83% had abnormal CT chest scans. Additionally, 12% of the patients displayed an elevated heart rate on rhythm monitoring.
According to Dr. Marc Sala, “[We expect to] have many patients come to us still in good numbers to fill up our clinics with maybe the third, fourth, fifth infection, and now having finally developed post-Covid symptoms, not allowing them to fill up hospitals, ICUs, and overflow but still with symptoms that are enough to be disabling to their lives as previously known.”
It is worth noting that long Covid affects approximately one-third of Covid survivors and has become the third leading neurologic disorder in the United States.
These findings shed light on the long-lasting consequences of Covid-19, emphasizing the importance of continued research and support for individuals affected by long Covid. The study conducted by Northwestern Medicine is a significant step toward understanding and addressing the long-term impact of the virus on patients’ health and well-being.
As the medical community expands its knowledge about long Covid, healthcare providers are better equipped to provide appropriate care and support for patients experiencing post-Covid symptoms. The results of this study will undoubtedly contribute to the development of effective treatments and interventions for long Covid patients in the future.
Northwestern Medicine’s research serves as a reminder that the effects of Covid-19 extend beyond the initial illness, and it is crucial to consider the long-term consequences when discussing public health strategies and interventions. The findings from this study will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the medical community’s approach to managing and treating long Covid in the years to come.
In conclusion, Northwestern Medicine’s study provides crucial insights into the impact of long Covid on patients, highlighting the need for ongoing research and support for individuals experiencing post-Covid symptoms. These findings will undoubtedly contribute to the development of improved interventions and treatments for long Covid, ultimately benefiting the millions of individuals affected by this condition.