Title: How COVID-19 Leaves a Lasting Impact on Heart Health, Raises Concerns for the Future
Date: [Insert Date]
COVID-19, beyond being primarily known as a respiratory disease, has been found to have profound effects on the heart health of individuals battling the virus. As the nation grapples with the long-term consequences of the pandemic, the toll it has taken on heart health is only beginning to emerge. New studies indicate that even those who recover seemingly well may be at increased risk of developing heart-related problems up to a year after their infection. This raises concerns over who is most vulnerable to these aftereffects and whether they are reversible, or signals of potential future heart disease.
Firefighter and paramedic Mike Camilleri’s case exemplifies the impact of COVID-19 on heart health. Previously a fit individual who effortlessly handled heavy gear during his job, Camilleri now battles with long COVID and must cautiously approach even simple activities, such as walking on a treadmill. What started as a mild case of COVID-19 escalated into dangerous blood pressure spikes, an accelerated heartbeat with little exertion, and intense chest pain. Camilleri’s situation is not isolated, as doctors and experts observe similar effects on the heart and vascular system in patients across the country.
Dr. Susan Cheng, a cardiologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, highlights that the effects on the heart surpass those on other organ systems due to COVID-19. Heart-related death rates experienced a significant decline in the United States before the pandemic, but this progress was swiftly undone by COVID-19. Surges in virus cases led to a rise in heart attack-caused deaths. Alarmingly, young individuals who are not typically associated with heart attacks experienced a nearly 30% increase in such deaths within the first two years of the pandemic.
A worrying trend also emerged, with the pandemic causing an increase in blood pressure levels among the population. This elevation in blood pressure poses a significant risk for heart disease. These cardiovascular symptoms, present in long COVID patients, are part of a range of health issues included under the umbrella term of long COVID, which also encompasses fatigue and brain fog. While some small studies are underway to explore treatments for various long COVID symptoms, including heart rhythm abnormalities, the medical community needs to recognize that some cardiovascular issues may be the first or primary indicators of damage inflicted by the coronavirus.
To better understand the post-COVID heart risks, Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, a clinical epidemiologist at Washington University in St. Louis, analyzed medical records from a large Veterans Administration database. The findings revealed that individuals who survived COVID-19 during the early stages of the pandemic were more likely to exhibit abnormal heart rhythms, blood clots, chest pain, palpitations, heart attacks, and strokes up to a year after recovery. Surprisingly, even middle-aged individuals without prior signs of heart disease were susceptible. Al-Aly estimates that 4 out of every 100 people require care for heart-related symptoms after recovering from COVID-19.
Recent research supports the urgency to address and comprehend these cardiac aftershocks. An analysis of a significant U.S. insurance database found that long COVID patients were approximately twice as likely to seek care for cardiovascular problems, including blood clots, abnormal heartbeats, and strokes, in the year following their infection, compared to similar non-infected patients. Dr. Amanda Verma, who treated Camilleri, draws parallels to rheumatic fever, an inflammatory response to untreated strep throat that leaves lasting damage to the heart valves. The long-term repercussions of COVID-19 on heart health are yet to be fully understood.
Dr. Al-Aly emphasizes the importance of taking proactive measures to mitigate heart risks. While individuals cannot alter their COVID-19 infection history, they can address other prevalent heart risks such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, poorly controlled diabetes, and smoking. Preventive actions regarding these risks are now more critical than ever.
As the nation contends with the aftermath of the pandemic, the impact on heart health continues to pose challenges for healthcare professionals and policymakers. The long-lasting effects serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing heart health and adopting healthy lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of heart disease. With further research and enhanced awareness, steps can be taken to minimize the consequences faced by future generations.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.