The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: A new study has found that **COVID-19 is linked to accelerated vascular aging, resulting in stiffer arteries—especially in women**[1][2][3][4][5]. Researchers reveal that even **mild COVID infections can make blood vessels appear about five years older than expected for a person’s age**. This process, called *early vascular aging*, means that blood vessels become stiffer much faster in people who have had COVID-19 compared to those who have not[3][4]. **Study Details** The study investigated 2,390 adults from 16 countries, almost half of whom were women, between 2020 and 2022. Participants were divided into groups based on whether they had never had COVID, had COVID but were not hospitalized, were hospitalized, or had been admitted to intensive care. All participants with prior COVID-19 had recovered within 90 days before entering the study. The average age was 50 years[1][2][3][4][5]. **Measuring Blood Vessel Stiffness** Researchers used a scientific test called carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), which measures how quickly blood travels between the neck and the legs. **Higher PWV numbers mean stiffer arteries—a key sign of blood vessels aging**[2][3][5]. Six months after COVID infection, people who had tested positive—regardless of how sick they were—showed higher artery stiffness than those who had never had the virus[2][3][5]. **Why This Matters for Health** Stiff blood vessels are a known risk factor for severe cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes. The findings suggest that those who have had COVID-19 may now face a greater risk of these diseases—especially women[3][4]. **Women at Higher Risk** The effects of COVID-19 on artery stiffness were most pronounced in women. The study found that women with a history of COVID—and especially those who had ongoing symptoms—had significantly stiffer arteries than men or than women who never had COVID-19[1][5]. **Lasting Changes and Follow-up** At one year after infection, women with a history of COVID and ongoing symptoms still had evidence of accelerated vascular aging. Meanwhile, participants who had not had COVID continued to age at the expected rate, or even showed a slightly worsening stiffness, while COVID survivors often stabilized or improved after one year[5]. **Expert Perspective** According to lead author Professor Rosa Maria Bruno, *“We know that COVID can directly affect blood vessels. This may result in early vascular aging, making you more susceptible to heart disease. If that is happening, we need to identify who is at risk early to prevent serious outcomes.”*[3][4] **Key Takeaway** COVID-19 can have long-term effects far beyond the initial infection, especially in women. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring heart and vascular health after recovering from COVID, even if the initial illness was mild[1][2][3][4][5]. Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9