COVID-19 CAN AFFECT THE HEART MONTHS AFTER INFECTION, STUDY FINDS

The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has caused a worldwide pandemic, impacting health systems, economies, and societies. As the virus continues to spread, researchers are working to understand its long-term effects on the body. A new study from the University of Oxford has found that COVID-19 can affect the heart months after infection. The study, published in the journal Circulation, examined the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the heart. The researchers studied data from over 500 patients who had been hospitalized with COVID-19. The team found that even after four months, some patients were still experiencing heart issues. The researchers found that one in five patients had evidence of myocardial injury, or damage to the heart muscle, four months after their initial infection. This suggests that COVID-19 can cause long-term damage to the heart, even after the initial infection has cleared. The team also found that patients who had experienced myocardial injury were more likely to have other cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. This suggests that these patients may be at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the future. The study also found that patients with underlying cardiovascular conditions were more likely to experience myocardial injury after COVID-19 infection. This suggests that these patients may need to be monitored more closely for long-term heart effects. The findings of this study are concerning, as they suggest that COVID-19 can cause long-term damage to the heart. This could have serious implications for public health, as it could lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in the future.

What Does This Mean for Patients?

The findings of this study suggest that patients who have been infected with COVID-19 should be monitored for long-term heart effects. Patients should also be aware of the potential for long-term heart damage and take steps to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. Patients should speak to their doctor about any concerns they have about their heart health. They should also ensure that they are following a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking.

Conclusion

This study has found that COVID-19 can cause long-term damage to the heart, even months after the initial infection. This suggests that patients should be monitored for long-term heart effects and take steps to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. Further research is needed to better understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the heart.