COVID-19 Infections Found to Increase Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke, Study Reveals

A recent study published in the journal *Radiology* has revealed that COVID-19 infections can cause damage to the heart’s arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Researchers found that the virus can block the development of coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscles.

According to the study, even a mild COVID-19 infection can lead to artery blockages, significantly raising the risk of heart attacks in some individuals. Dr. Zongxin, Director of Cardiology at Fudan University in Shanghai, explained that the virus leads to the formation of non-calcified plaques in the coronary arteries, which are made up of cholesterol and fat. When these plaques rupture, they can block blood flow, potentially causing a heart attack.

The study analyzed CT scans of over 800 patients, comparing scans taken before the COVID-19 pandemic and during the outbreak. Researchers discovered nearly 2,600 instances of plaque damage in the coronary arteries, with COVID-19 patients showing over 2,100 signs of plaque, compared to only 480 in unaffected individuals.

The results indicated that plaques in the arteries of COVID-19 patients formed at a faster rate, with a 0.9% increase per year, compared to 0.6% in non-affected individuals. The study also highlighted that patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 could face an increased risk of myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, and stroke for up to a year following the infection.

These findings underscore the potential long-term impacts of COVID-19 on heart health and suggest the need for ongoing medical care and monitoring for patients who have had the virus.