A European Heart Journal study published on August 17 reports that Covid-19 premature aging of blood vessels across 16 countries, with women showing about five extra years of arterial age even after mild illness.
Covid-19 premature aging of blood vessels
Researchers tracked 2,390 adults from 34 centres, testing their artery stiffness six and 12 months after infection.
They used carotid femoral pulse wave velocity, a standard measure of “vascular age.”
All Covid-positive groups, including all genders, had higher stiffness than controls after adjusting for risk factors.
In gender-stratified analysis, the increase was clear in women but not in men.
The pattern persisted, though it eased slightly by 12 months.
What does “five years older” mean?
The team equates the change in stiffness to roughly five years of extra vascular age for women on average, with the biggest effects in those who needed ICU care.
Even mild cases showed measurable aging.
Stiffer arteries are linked to higher risks of heart attack and stroke.
The authors say early identification allows routine prevention, lifestyle steps and standard treatments for blood pressure and cholesterol.
For Pakistan, the message on Covid-19 premature aging of blood vessels is practical.
If you had Covid, especially a tough episode, ask your doctor about basic heart checks.
Start with blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar where advised, a simple stiffness test can help.
Vaccinated participants in the study generally showed lower stiffness than the unvaccinated.
The study focuses on women because the signal was stronger in them, but men are not risk-free.
Clinicians will watch how long the changes last and whether they can be reversed.
An accompanying editorial describes the pattern as accelerated yet partly reversible, which underscores the value of follow-up care.
Covid’s after effects include a measurable hit to artery health, most evident in women.
Regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, not smoking, and tight diabetes control remain the best shield but paired with vaccination and timely check-ups.
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