COVID-19 infection increases risk of heart attacks: study

Even a mild COVID-19 infection can promote clogged arteries, in turn increasing heart attack risk in some people, a new study indicates. 

Infection of the COVID-19 virus is associated with the quick growth of plaque in arteries that are integral for supplying blood to the heart muscle, also called coronary arteries, researchers wrote in a new study published in the journal, Radiology. 

To make it worse, researchers found plaque in the arteries of those whose COVID-19 was not even severe enough to require hospitalisation. 

Researchers also believe that the inflammation that comes with the infectious respiratory disease is likely the reason behind the growth of arterial plaque. 

“Inflammation following COVID-19 can lead to ongoing plaque growth, particularly high-risk, noncalcified plaques,” said the director of cardiology at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and senior researcher, Dr Junbo Ge. 

“It’s crucial to anticipate a heavier cardiovascular patient burden in the future as most infected individuals recover from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection,” Ge added.

“Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are at increased risk for myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome and stroke for up to a year,” Ge said.