Severe COVID-19 Infection Linked to Accelerated Arterial Plaque Growth, Increased Heart Attack and Stroke Risk
A recent study led by Fudan University researchers in China found that severe COVID-19 infection can trigger widespread inflammation, leading to rapid growth of plaque in the coronary arteries. This increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other life-threatening cardiovascular events for up to a year.
The study, published in Radiology, analyzed 803 patients who underwent serial coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) between 2018 and 2023. Researchers assessed 2,108 coronary artery lesions in 690 COVID-19 patients and 480 lesions in 113 uninfected patients.
Key Findings
- COVID-19 patients showed accelerated progression of total coronary atherosclerotic volume.
- Infected patients had a higher rate of high-risk plaque development (20.1% vs 15.8%).
- COVID-19 patients were more likely to experience coronary inflammation (27% vs 19.9%) and target lesion failure (10.4% vs 3.1%).
- Previous COVID-19 infection was associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.9.
The study highlights the importance of monitoring cardiovascular health in individuals who have experienced severe COVID-19 infection.
As the majority of individuals recover from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, it’s essential that we prepare for a potential surge in cardiovascular cases in the future,” warns
Preparing for a Potential Surge in Cardiovascular Cases
According to Junbo Ge, MD, of Fudan University, “COVID-19 initially presents with acute lung injury and respiratory failure, but mounting evidence suggests it also triggers a severe inflammatory response that can compromise cardiovascular health.”
Dr. Ge further explained, “Post-COVID-19 inflammation can accelerate plaque growth, especially in high-risk, noncalcified plaques, increasing the risk of heart attack, acute coronary syndrome, and stroke for up to a year following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Experts warn that COVID-19 infection may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke due to its potential to accelerate atherosclerosis. Possible mechanisms include direct infection of vascular cells, systemic inflammation, and exaggerated inflammatory responses.
While COVID-19 is commonly associated with respiratory issues, it can also cause systemic inflammation, leading to cardiac complications such as heart muscle damage, cardiac insufficiency, irregular heart rhythms, and blood-clotting abnormalities. These effects can persist even after recovery, regardless of age or pre-existing conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
According to Dr. Junbo Ge, further research is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. He emphasized the need to prepare for a potential increase in cardiovascular cases in the future, as most individuals recover from acute COVID-19 infection.
Reference University of Minnesota
