Early strain of COVID-19 virus could raise risk of major adverse cardiovascular events
The virus strain responsible for the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic may have increased the risk of heart attacks, strokes and mortality up to three years postinfection.
In a study published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, investigators examined the outcomes of unvaccinated patients who developed infections during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Compared with those who didn’t develop an infection, the patients who did develop COVID-19 infections were twice as likely to experience major adverse cardiovascular events and the patients who developed severe infections were nearly four times as likely to experience major adverse cardiovascular events.
Further, patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infections who had A, B, or AB blood types had an increased risk of experiencing heart attacks and strokes compared with those who had an O blood type.
The research could provide insights into the long-term cardiovascular effects of COVID-19 infections, according to a report on the findings from the National Institutes of Health. The institute suggested that more studies may be needed to determine whether severe COVID-19 infections may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and whether more recent strains of the virus can cause a similar risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.
The investigators hope their findings can help identify strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease among those who experienced severe COVID-19 infections.
Read more: NIH
The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.