The Long Shadow of ‍COVID-19 on⁢ Cardiovascular Health

Even after the acute phase of COVID-19 has passed,⁣ the virus can leave a lasting mark on the body, and increasingly, research points to significant cardiovascular consequences. A new study published August 18, 2025, in the European Heart Journal reveals⁢ that a COVID-19 infection can accelerate the aging of‍ blood vessels, increasing the risk ⁣of heart attack and stroke – and ⁤the effect appears to⁢ be particularly ⁤pronounced in women.

How COVID-19 Impacts Arteries

Blood vessels naturally lose ⁤elasticity with age, a process known as ⁢vascular stiffening. This stiffening increases the risk of cardiovascular events. researchers, led by Professor rosa Maria Bruno at Université Paris Cité in⁢ France, investigated whether ⁢COVID-19 could exacerbate this process. Their findings suggest that the virus doesn’t just attack the lungs; it directly impacts the vascular system, leading to what they term “early vascular aging.”

The study, a large-scale, multinational effort involving 2,390 participants from 16 countries (Austria, ⁤Australia, Brazil, ⁢Canada, cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, ‍Mexico, Norway, Turkey, the UK, and the US), categorized‍ individuals ⁤based on their COVID-19 exposure: never infected, mild⁣ infection (not hospitalized), ⁣hospitalization on a general ward, or intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Participants were assessed six and twelve months after infection.

Vascular age was determined by measuring carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) – the speed at which a pressure wave travels between arteries in the neck and legs. A higher PWV indicates stiffer arteries and⁢ a ⁤higher vascular age. Researchers also accounted for factors like age, sex, and pre-existing conditions that could influence cardiovascular health.

The Gender Disparity: Why Women Are More Vulnerable

The results revealed⁢ that all groups who had been infected with COVID-19, even those with mild‍ cases, exhibited ⁣stiffer arteries compared to those who had never been infected. ‍However, the impact was significantly more pronounced in women.

Specifically, the average increase in PWV was:

• 0.55 meters per second in women with ⁣mild COVID-19
• 0.60 meters per second⁢ in women hospitalized with COVID-19
• 1.09 meters per second in women treated in intensive care

Researchers estimate that a 0.5 meters per second increase in PWV is clinically relevant, equating to approximately five years of vascular aging and a 3% increased risk of cardiovascular disease in a 60-year-old woman. This⁤ difference is likely due to variations in the immune response between sexes. Women tend to mount⁤ a more robust immune response to infection, which, while initially protective, may contribute to greater inflammation and subsequent damage⁣ to blood vessels.

What’s Happening Biologically?

The mechanisms behind this accelerated‍ vascular aging are still being investigated. The virus⁢ is known to target cells lining blood vessels via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)⁤ receptors, perhaps causing dysfunction ⁣and inflammation. The body’s own‍ inflammatory response to the virus may also play ⁤a role. As Professor Bruno explains, identifying those at risk early is crucial for preventing serious⁤ cardiovascular events.

Hopeful Signs and Future Directions

The study also offered some encouraging findings. Individuals who ⁤had been vaccinated⁢ against COVID-19⁢ generally showed less arterial stiffness compared to those unvaccinated. Furthermore, the vascular aging associated with COVID-19 appeared to stabilize or even slightly improve over time. ⁢ Researchers⁣ are continuing to follow the study participants to determine whether this accelerated aging translates into a higher incidence of heart attacks and strokes.

What You Can Do

Vascular aging is not an inevitable consequence of COVID-19. Lifestyle modifications,such ⁣as regular exercise,a heart-healthy diet,and smoking cessation,can help improve vascular health. For those with accelerated vascular aging, medical interventions like blood pressure and cholesterol management are crucial. If you’ve had COVID-19, discuss⁢ your cardiovascular risk factors with your⁣ doctor and consider a vascular age assessment.