Scientists once again don't have good news for convalescents - as the latest research shows, SARS-CoV-2 can damage the heart in many ways, so people who have had COVID-19 may experience heart problems even in within a year after recovery. And they encourage convalescents to do specific tests for cardiovascular problems.
It has been known for some time that COVID-19 can affect the heart in various ways. During coronavirus infection - especially acute one - and inflammation, muscles and blood vessels are damaged, and clotting processes are disturbed. Blood clots can also occur during an infection, blocking the flow of oxygen, and as a result, for example, a heart attack.
However, heart problems that may be experienced after recovery can be equally serious. These problems were examined by epidemiologists from St. Louis He alth Care System in the USA. Using the data collected in the database of the Department of Veterans Affairs, they analyzed a total of 153,760 people who were treated in American hospitals due to COVID-19.
The analysis shows that after the first month after infection, convalescents are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease covering several categories, including cerebrovascular disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, ischemic heart disease, pericarditis, and myocarditis , heart failure and thromboembolism.
Higher risk was noted in both those who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 and those who were not hospitalized in the acute phase of infection. "These risks and burdens were evident even among those who were not hospitalized in the acute phase of infection and increased gradually depending on the conditions of acute care [not hospitalized, hospitalized, and admitted to the intensive care unit]," the authors of the study wrote.
Scientists have labeled the risk and incidence of cardiovascular disease in survivors as "significant". They say the pandemic is likely to increase the rate of cardiovascular disease worldwide. About 4 percent. and all convalescents will be able to expect serious cardiac complications. Although this figure seemsbe small, there is a huge number of people who have had or will be ill with COVID-19.
According to researchers, convalescents, especially after severe COVID-19, should receive cardiological care. They encourage anyone who has been infected with the coronavirus to undergo screening for cardiovascular problems, especially if they experience symptoms such as shortness of breath and its worsening with exercise or chest pain, decreased exercise tolerance, palpitations or easier fatigue out.
Ozdrowieńcom - after consulting a doctor - the authors of the study recommend, inter alia, Resting ECG, Holter EKG, Doppler echo, as well as qualitative plasma D-dimer testing for thromboembolic risk.