Long-term Consequences of COVID-19 Infection Revealed in Global Study

Strategic Insights -

A recent global study by the World Heart Federation has provided crucial insights into the long-term adverse consequences of COVID-19 infection, affecting various organ systems and requiring a comprehensive understanding of the disease burden and determinants of persistent long COVID-19 symptoms. The study, which assessed 2,535 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, found that over half of the participants reported experiencing at least one major long COVID symptom within the first month, and one-quarter reported persistent long COVID symptoms at 9-12 months post-discharge.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 56% of participants reported experiencing at least one major long COVID symptom within the first month, including fatigue, breathlessness, anxiety, chest pain, and palpitations.
  • One-quarter of participants reported persistent long COVID symptoms at 9-12 months post-discharge.
  • The most frequent new-onset illnesses were pulmonary embolism (8%), kidney disease (4%), and hypertension (3%).
  • The cumulative all-cause mortality rate was 15% (n = 382) at one-year post-discharge.
  • Long COVID symptoms were more common among females, individuals with pre-existing comorbidities, and those with more severe acute illness.
  • Age, obesity, ICU admission, and underlying cardiovascular or pulmonary disease were associated with increased risk of mortality and MACE.
  • The study concluded that early identification and management of long COVID symptoms are crucial in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Statistics:

  • 2,535 patients were assessed in the study.
  • 56% of participants reported experiencing at least one major long COVID symptom within the first month.
  • One-quarter of participants reported persistent long COVID symptoms at 9-12 months post-discharge.
  • The cumulative all-cause mortality rate was 15% (n = 382).
  • 64% of participants were recruited from LMICs.
  • 52% of participants were tested for COVID-19 strain, with 98% testing positive for the Omicron strain.
  • 90% of participants had a follow-up rate at one year.

Sources:

  • Long COVID Syndrome, Mortality and Morbidity in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19 From 16 Countries: The World Heart Federation Global COVID-19 Study. Global Heart, 2025;20(1):66.
  • NewsRx. Studies from Public Health Foundation of India Provide New Data on COVID-19 (Long COVID Syndrome, Mortality and Morbidity in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19 From 16 Countries: The World Heart Federation Global COVID-19 Study). Cardiovascular Week. August 18, 2025; p 209.