Medical Minute: Long-term heart risks from COVID-19

A study found that having a COVID-19 infection doubles the risk of cardiovascular diseases, with risks extending up to three years.

"What was surprising to find is just having a COVID-19 positive test was associated with a twofold increased risk in heart attack, stroke, and death risk," said Dr. Stanley Hazen, a physician who specializes in preventative cardiovascular care and rehabilitation at the Cleveland Clinic.

That risk is three to seven times higher if the individual was hospitalized due to the severity of their symptoms.

"The risk was equivalent as if they had one heart attack," Dr. Hazen said.

The risks presented by COVID-19 apply to all patients, regardless of age, gender, or prior health conditions.

"Covid doesn't care if you're a man or a woman, young or old, have a disease or not," Dr. Hazen said.

What can you do?

"Preventative efforts such as vaccines and boosters, we anticipate will reduce your long-term risk for post-COVID cardiovascular disease," Dr. Hazen said.

Dr. Hazen encourages physicians to consider a patient's COVID history when assessing heart health, so better preventative care may be provided.