A new international study has revealed that a COVID-19 infection can accelerate blood vessel ageing by up to five years, with women facing a stronger impact, particularly those suffering from long Covid symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath.
COVID-19 blood vessel ageing: Findings from global study
The research, published in the European Heart Journal, analyzed data from around 2,400 people across 16 countries, including Australia, Brazil, and several in Europe. Researchers measured vascular age using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity — a test that calculates how fast blood pressure waves travel between arteries in the neck and legs.
On average, women who had mild COVID-19 showed a 0.55 metres per second increase in pulse wave velocity, while those hospitalised showed a 0.60 metres per second increase. Women admitted to intensive care displayed an increase of more than one metre per second, equating to around five years of vascular ageing and a 3% increased risk of cardiovascular disease in a 60-year-old woman.
Women more affected than men
The study found significant vascular ageing in women, but not in men. Persistent symptoms of long Covid were associated with even higher pulse wave velocity among female participants. Interestingly, while vascular health stabilised or improved after 12 months in COVID-positive groups, progression of stiffness was observed in COVID-negative groups.
Lead researcher Rosa Maria Bruno from Université Paris Cité explained that COVID-19 affects blood vessels by targeting angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, which are located on the vessel lining. The virus’s interaction with these receptors, combined with immune and inflammatory responses, accelerates vascular dysfunction and ageing.
Expert opinions on COVID-19’s vascular legacy
In a related editorial, Harvard Medical School researchers wrote that while the acute phase of the pandemic has passed, post-COVID challenges continue. They emphasized that COVID-19’s vascular legacy is real, measurable, and sex-specific, particularly for women.
“COVID-19 has aged our arteries, especially for female adults. The challenge now is to find preventive strategies to mitigate long-term vascular damage in future outbreaks,” the authors added.
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