Study suggests mild COVID-19 can have harmful effects on cardiovascular health

Description

New research suggests that even mild cases of COVID-19 can have long-term detrimental effects on cardiovascular health. 

The study was the first to compare pre and post COVID-infection levels of arterial stiffness; a marker associated with the ageing and function of our arteries. The aftermath of the COVID infection, commonly known as long COVID, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and in extreme cases death. 

An international team of scientists were able to do this research using baseline measurements from a group of participants involved in a separate study that began pre-pandemic, also investigating arterial stiffness.