Contracting this disease can double your risk of a heart attack, research shows

COVID-19 always has a way to come back and bite you.

For instance, new research from the Cleveland Clinic suggests that catching COVID could double the risk of experiencing adverse cardiovascular events in the future, including heart attacks, strokes or even death.

This is concerning since Covid is the fourth leading cause of death in the nation as of 2022, which is the most recent year data is available.

This is shocking news since the thought of contracting COVID these days hasn’t seemed as big of a deal as it did back in 2020.

Despite what many might think, catching COVID isn’t the same as catching the flu, and that’s because its impact could be long-lasting.

“One of the unique features of COVID is that in some people, there unfortunately appear to be long-term adverse effects that can occur following resolution of the acute infection. These studies add to the growing body of data showing that COVID-19 infection can enhance risk for experiencing adverse cardiac events — heart attack, stroke and death — over time,” Dr. Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD, co-senior author of the study and chair of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences at Cleveland Clinic, said to Parade.

Since the COVID-19 virus has only been around since 2019, data surrounding its long-term effects aren’t entirely known yet. However, according to Dr. Hazen, the data shows that even three years after getting COVID, there’s a heightened risk for a heart attack or a stroke.

“This was seen in all subjects independent of age, sex, risk factors for cardiac disease,” he said to the outlet.

So why does COVID greatly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke? For Dr. Hazen, blood type plays a huge role.

According to Dr. Gerhard Albrecht, MD, medical director of cardiology at Bayer, blood types A, B and AB (blood types other than O), are more at risk for experiencing adverse cardiovascular events after contracting COVID.

“This connection may involve genetic factors that influence how the body responds to the virus and its aftermath, particularly in relation to thrombotic events [when a blood clot forms in an artery or vein] and cardiovascular health,” he said to Parade.

Some key ways to better protect yourself include getting vaccinated and boosted. “The more severe the COVID-19 infection, the higher the risk for post-COVID-19 heightened cardiac risks,” Dr. Hazen said.

According to Cardiologist Dr. Danielle Belardo, MD, studies have shown that those who’ve received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine experienced a reduced risk of stroke and heart attack in the months after an infection.

“Vaccination appears to mitigate some of the cardiovascular risks associated with COVID, although further research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits,” Belardo said to Parade.

Another way is to maintain heart-healthy habits, which means maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly and adopting habits that reduce stress. According to both Dr. Hazen and Dr. Albrecht, people who are in poor heart health are more impacted by COVID, and the more serious an infection is, the higher the risk of experiencing adverse cardiovascular effects in the future.

“Research indicates that those hospitalized for severe COVID face nearly four times the risk of major cardiovascular events compared to individuals without a COVID history. This heightened risk persists for up to three years post-infection, suggesting a strong link between the severity of the illness and long-term cardiovascular health,” Dr. Albrecht said to Parade.

Lastly, stay up to date with your check-ups.

Along with a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle, regular cardiovascular check-ups and discussions with healthcare providers regarding preventative measures, such as medications or lifestyle changes, are another way to lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.

If you’re in good shape, stay on top of your annual check-ins with your doctor. But if cardiovascular disease, heart attacks or strokes run in your family or you’re at a higher risk of experiencing them, plan a visit to your cardiologist annually to manage your risk.