Scientists have found that coronavirus increases the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke within a year after infection with COVID19, especially for those who already have underlying heart disease. The study was published in the journal Nature Cardioglass Research.
A research team led by researchers at New York University Grossman School of Medicine (Nature Cardiovascular Research) found this virus in the arteries of eight men and women with a history of atherosclerosis (who died from Covid-19). In addition, the coronavirus was found inside immune cells called macrophages, which normally protect the heart.
Further experiments showed that in response to infection, macrophages release inflammatory proteins called cytokines, two of which have been linked to heart attacks.
“The virus creates a highly inflammatory environment that can promote plaque growth, rupture, and obstruction of blood flow to the heart, brain and other organs,” explains lead study author and postdoctoral fellow at NYU Langone Health Center, MD Natalia Eberhardt. .
In addition, studies have shown that coronavirus affects more people who already have large amounts of atherosclerotic plaque in their arteries, and this partly explains why people with atherosclerosis are more vulnerable to Covid-19. Researchers say they analyzed tissue infected with strains of the virus early in the pandemic and plan to repeat the study in people exposed to new strains of Covid.
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