COVID Found To Clog Arteries

It leads to an increase heart disease risk. 

A recent study reveals that even mild COVID-19 infections can contribute to the development of arterial plaque, which in turn raises the risk of heart attacks for some individuals. The study, published on February 4 in Radiology, shows that COVID-19 infection is linked to rapid plaque buildup in coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. This effect was observed even in individuals who had mild infections that did not require hospitalization.

The researchers believe that the inflammation caused by the COVID-19 virus plays a central role in promoting the growth of these plaques, particularly non-calcified plaques, which are made of cholesterol and fat. These plaques are more prone to rupture, potentially obstructing blood flow and causing heart attacks. Dr. Junbo Ge, the senior researcher, noted the potential long-term cardiovascular burden, as many individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 might face an increased risk of heart-related issues due to this plaque growth.

To reach their conclusions, the researchers analyzed CT scans of over 800 patients, comparing those who contracted COVID-19 with those who did not. They found that COVID patients had significantly more plaque buildup in their arteries—more than 2,100 lesions compared to 480 in uninfected individuals. Plaque growth was also faster in COVID-19 patients, increasing by 0.9% annually, compared to a 0.6% increase in the uninfected group.

The study also showed that COVID patients were more likely to have high-risk plaques, with 21% of them developing such plaques compared to 16% of those who were not infected. Additionally, COVID patients were more likely to experience heart-related inflammation and were at a higher risk of severe cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or the need for artery reopening procedures.

The findings suggest that the cardiovascular effects of COVID-19 may last long after the infection itself, with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes for up to a year following infection. Public health experts have expressed concern about the potential future wave of heart disease linked to the pandemic, especially considering the millions of COVID cases worldwide.