COVID-19 may have a long-term impact on the health of young and fit adults who were not hospitalized and had only minor symptoms of the disease, researchers from Appalachian State University (USA) say in Experimental Physiology.
Studies have shown that long after their illness, they have persistent arterial stiffness that can affect the health of the heart. These are vessels throughout the body, including the carotid artery that supplies the brain with blood.
“This means that in young, healthy people, even a mild course of COVID-19 may increase the risk of cardiovascular complications,” emphasize the authors of the publication. – This makes him similar to, inter alia, rheumatic fever, Kawasaki disease, pneumonia, Helicobacter pylori infection or lupus, which also cause changes in arterial stiffness that persist long after symptoms have cleared. ‘
A team of scientists led by Dr. Steve Ratchford examined young adults 3-4 weeks after being infected with SARS-CoV-2. They had an ultrasound of the carotid artery and an analysis of the pulse wave of that artery.
The obtained images were subjected to computer analysis and compared with the control group (young adults who did not suffer from SARS-CoV-2 infection). It turned out that people after the disease have greater stiffness of the carotid arteries and aorta than their peers.
In addition, for the next 6 months that have not yet passed, the scientists observe the participants, constantly monitoring the condition of their arteries. As they say, the final results will surely be very interesting, as it is already evident that the symptomology of the participants improves over time, although their arterial health does not recover as quickly.
“Our findings suggest the potential long-term effects of COVID-19 on young, relatively healthy adults who are used to be thought to be reasonably safe about the coronavirus,” concludes Dr. Ratchford.
Next, the scientist intends to carry out similar research on a group of older adults, i.e. people who are more susceptible to the virus and who have additional conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and hypertension much more often. (PAP)
Author: Katarzyna Czechowicz
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