covid19 still has influence on heart disease

Imagine surviving COVID-19 only to face a hidden threat to your heart health for years to come. This is the reality for many, as new research reveals. Early COVID-19 infections have been linked to a significantly increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death for up to three years post-infection. Severe cases of COVID-19 could be as detrimental to heart health as diabetes, quadrupling the risk of cardiovascular events. Individuals with A, B, or AB blood types are at a higher risk, while those with blood type O seem to have a lower risk of severe COVID-19 complications. The study, supported by the NIH, tracked 10,000 people from the UK Biobank, revealing that unvaccinated individuals faced a doubled risk of heart issues. Even those without pre-existing heart conditions saw a significant increase in cardiovascular events, highlighting the long-term impact of the virus. Researchers emphasize the need for effective heart disease prevention strategies for patients who’ve had severe COVID-19. The genetic component involving blood type adds another layer of complexity, suggesting that some people are inherently more vulnerable. With over 1 billion people worldwide having experienced COVID-19, the implications for global heart health are profound and far-reaching. As we continue to uncover the long-term effects of COVID-19, it's clear that the virus's impact on our health is far from over. Stay informed, stay healthy.