Recent research reveals that Covid-19 more than doubles the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death for survivors, lasting at least three years after infection. This increased risk is evident even in individuals without a prior history of heart disease.
The study, which focused on British adults aged 50 and older, found that those hospitalized with severe Covid faced nearly four times the risk of major heart events. Blood types A, B, and AB were identified as significant risk factors, with individuals in these groups experiencing a higher likelihood of cardiac issues compared to those with type O.
Conducted using data from the UK Biobank, the study analyzed 10,005 Covid patients and compared their outcomes to 217,730 individuals who did not contract the virus between February and December 2020. The findings, published in the journal Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, highlight the urgent need for preventative treatments for Covid survivors.
Lead researcher James Hilser from the University of Southern California emphasized that heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, and with over a billion people having contracted Covid, the implications are significant. He advocates for enhanced cardiovascular risk reduction strategies, especially for those with non-O blood types.
To mitigate these risks, the researchers recommend regular monitoring of cholesterol and blood pressure, adopting a healthier lifestyle, and considering medications like statins or aspirin for those who had severe Covid. Further studies are needed to explore the effectiveness of these preventative measures.