Long Covid Linked to Increased Cardiovascular Disease Risk, Even After Mild Infection

A study published in The Lancet by researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden found that people with Long Covid have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including cardiac arrhythmias, heart attack, and heart failure. This increased risk was observed even in individuals who were not hospitalized during their initial Covid infection.

The study analyzed healthcare data from over 1.2 million adults in Stockholm, identifying 9,000 individuals diagnosed with Long Covid after mild-to-moderate infections managed at home. After up to four years of follow-up, cardiovascular disease was more common among those with Long Covid. Among women, 18% with Long Covid experienced a cardiovascular event compared to 8% without. For men, the figures were 21% with Long Covid versus 11% without. These findings remained consistent after adjusting for age, socioeconomic status, and underlying health conditions.

Women with Long Covid had more than double the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, while men had about a 30% higher risk. The strongest associations were with irregular heart rhythm and coronary heart disease. Women also showed increased risk for heart failure and peripheral arterial disease, though no link to stroke risk was found. This aligns with a 2022 US study of 154,000 veterans.

Proposed biological mechanisms include long-lasting inflammation and immune system changes affecting blood vessel lining and blood flow, as well as disruption of the autonomic nervous system, which controls heart rate and blood pressure. The Swedish researchers emphasize that Long Covid is not a transient condition and may have long-term implications for cardiovascular health.