A large international study revealed that COVID-19 infection leads to accelerated vascular aging, particularly in women, with effects persisting for months after recovery. Compared to non-infected controls, COVID-positive patients exhibited significantly stiffer arteries, as measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV). Women, especially those hospitalized or exhibiting long COVID symptoms, experienced more pronounced increases in PWV, correlating to heightened cardiovascular event risks. Men did not show similar significant differences. Vaccination appeared to mitigate arterial stiffness in women, but not in men. The study involved 2,390 participants across 16 countries, emphasizing the need for further research into long-term cardiovascular impacts post-COVID-19.

Source: European Heart Journal