The Lingering Effects of Long Covid on Vascular Health
Covid-19 shook our world and, although devastating acute cases have declined, we are left with lingering effects that the medical community continues to grapple with, mainly the symptoms of “long Covid,” a/k/a “post-Covid.” Patients who have been affected by these symptoms are often referred to as “long haulers.”
The effects of Covid-19 increase the risks to our cardiovascular health even after the acute phase of the infection is over. Medical issues can persist from 4 months and even all the way up to a year. Covid-19 causes inflammation within the vascular system and is detrimental to endothelial cells, which are the cells that form the lining of our blood vessels, heart, and some body cavities. This is the link that causes heart, vessel, and organ damage in some Covid-19 sufferers. In some patients, the damage can leave negative residual effects (“long Covid”) on the cardiovascular system even after recovery from Covid-19.
Long haulers “can suffer from a myriad of symptoms that can be persistent and often invalidating symptoms, including dyspnea, chest pain, tachycardia, post-viral brain fog, exercise intolerance, and extreme fatigue, to mention a few.”
According to the American Heart Association, there are “studies spotting potential heart and brain problems up to a year after infection with SARS-CoV-2, even in people who had mild COVID-19.” There is growing evidence that Covid-19 can accelerate vascular aging, which may present heart and vessel problems even after recovery from the initial viral infection. Identifying vascular aging is imperative to predict cardiovascular disease risk. Early vascular aging can lead to arterial stiffness, buildup of calcium, and endothelial dysfunction.
Per “Vascular Aging and COVID-19” in SAGE Journals, endothelial cells help with our bodies ability to clot properly while maintaining the integrity of vessels’ walls and function. When these are damaged or are not functioning properly, the risk of cardiovascular events and thrombosis increases. Per the American Journal of Physiology, there is growing research that is finding “blunted peripheral vascular function in younger populations post Covid-19, who were previously healthy.”
Although more extensive research is still needed, it is an important reminder to be mindful of any lingering pain, wounds that don’t heal, skin discoloration, numbness symptoms, or cardiovascular symptoms — no matter what age you are!
Science is just starting to scratch the surface on long Covid and its lasting effects on the cardiovascular system. Staying vigilant about your health, eating healthy, and getting exercise is always the best way to live your best life.