COVID-19 Can Age Blood Vessels: New Study Reveals
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Headline: COVID-19‘s Hidden Impact: Accelerated Blood Vessel Aging,especially in Women
for nearly three years,we’ve been navigating the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. While much of the focus has been on immediate symptoms and recovery, scientists are increasingly uncovering the virus’s long-term effects.Recent research sheds light on a concerning growth: COVID-19 infection can accelerate the aging of our blood vessels, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health issues.The Silent Threat: Vascular Aging
A new study,published in the European Heart Journal,reveals that a COVID-19 infection can age blood vessels by as much as five years,particularly affecting women. This process, known as vascular aging, occurs when the walls of our arteries – the vessels that carry blood from the heart – become stiffer and less flexible. Think of it like this: imagine a brand-new rubber band versus one that’s been stretched and used for years. The older rubber band loses its elasticity, just like aging blood vessels.
When our arteries lose their flexibility,it becomes harder for blood to flow smoothly. this puts extra strain on the heart and increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even kidney failure.
The Research: Uncovering the Connection
Researchers analyzed data from 2,390 individuals across 16 countries, collected between September 2020 and February 2022. Participants were divided into four groups: those who never had COVID-19, those who had COVID-19 but weren’t hospitalized, those hospitalized with COVID-19, and those admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to COVID-19.
The team used a specialized device to measure the “carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity” (PWV). This measures how quickly a blood pressure wave travels between the carotid artery in the neck and the femoral arteries in the legs. A higher PWV indicates stiffer arteries and accelerated vascular aging.
After carefully considering factors like age, pre-existing health conditions, and other demographic information, the researchers found a meaningful link between COVID-19 and increased PWV, especially in women.
Women with mild cases of COVID-19 showed a 0.55 meter per second increase in PWV.
Hospitalized women with COVID-19 had a 0.60 meters per second increase in PWV.
Women admitted to the ICU with COVID-19 experienced a 1.09 meter per second increase in PWV.
To put this into perspective, a PWV increase of about 0.5 meters per second is considered “clinically relevant” and equivalent to approximately five years of vascular aging. For a 60-year-old woman,this could increase her risk of cardiovascular disease by 3%.
Why Women?
The study also highlighted that women experienced more pronounced vascular aging after a COVID-19 infection. Professor Rosa Maria Bruno, the lead author of the study from Université Paris Cité, explains that the COVID-19 virus targets specific receptors in the lining of blood vessels. “The COVID-19 virus acts on specific body receivers, called receivers of the angiotensin 2 converting enzyme, present in the blood vessel coating,” she says.”The virus uses these receivers to enter and infect cells. This can result in vascular dysfunction and accelerated vascular aging.Inflammation and the immune responses of our body, which defend us against infections, may also be involved.”
moreover, women tend to have a more robust immune response to infections. While this can be protective, it may also lead to increased damage to blood vessels during and after a COVID-19 infection.
Hope and Actionable Steps
The good news is that vascular aging is measurable and manageable.The study also noted that vascular aging was less pronounced in those who were vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Vascular aging is easy to measure and can be treated with widely available treatments,such as lifestyle changes and drugs to lower blood pressure and cholesterol,” says Professor Bruno.
Here are some steps you can take to protect your heart health:
Get vaccinated and boosted: Vaccination remains a crucial tool in protecting against severe COVID-19 and potentially mitigating its long-term effects.
Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle: This includes a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking. Manage blood pressure and cholesterol: Work with your doctor to