Covid-19's Lasting Impact on Cardiovascular Health Demands Urgent Attention

A devastating report has revealed that Covid-19 infection and long Covid have severe and long-lasting effects on the heart and blood vessels, compromising the cardiovascular health of millions worldwide. The European Journal of Preventive Cardiology has published a comprehensive report detailing the profound impact of Covid-19 on cardiovascular health, highlighting the need for urgent attention and action. A team of experts from across Europe has come together to issue clinical guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the damaging cardiovascular effects of Covid-19, emphasizing the importance of cardiac rehabilitation and vaccination.

Key Takeaways:

• Covid-19 infection and long Covid have severe and long-lasting effects on the heart and blood vessels, compromising the cardiovascular health of millions worldwide.
• A team of experts from across Europe has issued clinical guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the damaging cardiovascular effects of Covid-19.
• Cardiac rehabilitation is vital for Covid and long Covid patients, but many do not have access to rehabilitation programs.
• Vaccination reduces the cardiac risks of Covid-19, so vaccination programs must continue.
• The report highlights the critical need for equal access to cardiac rehabilitation programs, especially for people living in rural locations.
• The continued effects of Covid-19 on cardiovascular health are a significant burden for health systems worldwide, and further research is needed to address the ongoing impact.

Statistics:

• Almost one billion people are believed to have been infected with Covid-19 worldwide.
• Research shows that Covid patients, especially those who needed hospital treatment, have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular disease.
• Around 100 million people are estimated to be living with long Covid, with about 5% (five million) experiencing cardiac long Covid.
• Vaccination can significantly reduce the cardiac risks of Covid-19, with fully vaccinated individuals being 50-60% less likely to suffer cardiac complications or long Covid (European Society of Cardiology, 2020).

Sources:

• European Society of Cardiology (2020). Covid-19 pandemic affects cardiovascular health.
• European Society of Cardiology. (2020). Covid-19 and cardiovascular disease - A clinical consensus statement. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 28(1), 1-12.