A new study has issued a warning to individuals who have had Covid-19 within the last three years, particularly those with blood types A, B, or AB. According to the research, there is a heightened risk of heart attack, stroke, or death up to three years post-infection. The study, which analysed data from over 10,000 British adults aged over 50, indicated that individuals with mild to severe Covid-19 were more likely to experience cardiovascular issues in the following years. The study also highlighted that non-O blood types were associated with an increased risk of heart-related complications post-Covid. The findings suggest that people infected with Covid may benefit from cardiovascular disease prevention treatments to mitigate these risks.
Lead author of the study, James Hilser from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, emphasised the long-term cardiovascular health risks associated with Covid-19, especially in cases requiring hospitalisation. The research revealed that the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death was significantly greater among those who had contracted Covid-19 compared to those who had not. Particularly concerning was the increased risk observed among individuals with non-O blood types, with the risk of heart attack and stroke being substantially higher compared to those with type O blood.
The study’s senior author, Professor Stanley Hazen from Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute, highlighted the global health implications of the findings, pointing to the significant impact on cardiovascular health following Covid-19 infection. Professor Hooman Allayee, also from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, underscored the importance of considering severe Covid-19 as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease, warranting preventive care measures.
Furthermore, the study revealed a genetic interaction between non-O blood types and Covid-related hospitalisations, with individuals with blood types A, B, or AB facing a heightened risk of heart attack and stroke. These results raise questions about the specific pathways linking blood types and susceptibility to Covid. The findings suggest that additional research is needed to explore these connections further.
The implications of this study on long-term cardiovascular health post-Covid infection are significant and emphasise the importance of ongoing monitoring and preventative care for individuals who have previously had the virus. With the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death remaining elevated for several years following infection, the study underscores the need for targeted interventions to mitigate these risks among Covid survivors.
The study’s findings have broader implications for global healthcare, highlighting the need to consider severe Covid-19 as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease. As researchers delve deeper into the genetic and biological mechanisms underlying these effects, further insights may emerge to guide tailored interventions for at-risk populations.