Ticking time bomb: Corona infection doubles the risk of heart attack

Covid-19 infection doubles risk of heart attacks. This is proven by a study with over 10,000 patients. Which blood groups are particularly at risk.

The Covid-19 pandemic has presented the world with major challenges in recent years. It is now known that an infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus can not only cause acute symptoms, but can also have long-term consequences. The cardiovascular system in particular appears to be particularly affected, as a recent study shows.

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Researchers from the University of Southern California and the Cleveland Clinic evaluated data from over 10,000 Covid-19 patients from the UK Biobank. The result: A Covid-19 infection doubles the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes for up to three years after infection.

In patients who had to be treated in hospital due to Covid-19, the risk was almost four times higher than in people without infection.

Heart problems after Covid-19: possible explanations

Experts suspect several mechanisms that can lead to heart problems after a Covid-19 infection:

1. The virus can damage the endothelial cells that line blood vessels. This can lead to inflammation, which can make existing deposits in the vessels unstable and cause blood clots.

2. Even without pre-existing deposits, an infection can activate an inflammatory pathway that causes platelets to clump together and can therefore block blood vessels.

3. It is possible that the body does not completely eliminate the virus, causing chronic inflammation that damages heart tissue.

4. People with blood group A, B or AB are at particularly high risk of thrombotic events after a Covid-19 infection.

This is how you reduce your risk

Anyone who has had a Covid-19 infection should keep an eye on their cardiovascular risk. This is particularly true for people who were seriously ill with Covid-19 and had to be treated in hospital. The following measures can help reduce the risk:

1. Vaccination can minimize the risk of severe Covid-19 infection.

2. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk and have your cholesterol and blood pressure levels checked.

3. Eat a heart-healthy diet, get enough exercise, maintain a healthy weight and avoid cigarette smoke.

4. People with blood group A, B or AB and a severe Covid-19 infection are at a particularly high risk of thrombosis. Anticoagulant therapy, for example with aspirin, can be useful here. Talk to your doctor about it.

The study shows that Covid-19 also increases the risk of heart disease in the long term. This must be taken into account when following up on Covid-19 patients. Those affected should pay attention to warning signs such as chest pain or shortness of breath and seek medical advice if necessary. With the right preventative measures, the risk of complications can be reduced.

In Germany, 467 vaccine injuries have so far been reported after Covid-19 vaccinations officially recognized, as shown by data from the Federal Ministry of Health. The number of recognized cases is in clear contrast to the much higher number of Covid-19 victims and Long Covid patients.

Millions of infections and tens of thousands of deaths

According to the Robert Koch Institute, since the beginning of the pandemic in Germany around 38.9 million Covid-19 infections registered. 185,501 people died in connection with an infection in this country. Experts assume that at least 10 percent of all infected people, i.e. an estimated 3.9 million people, suffer from long-term consequences of an infection, the so-called Long Covid. Other estimates put the number of Long Covid patients in Germany at at least one million.

Risks and benefits of vaccinations

Even if the 467 recognized vaccine injuries represent only the tip of the iceberg – the authorities have received a total of 11,827 applications for recognition of vaccine damage – experts emphasize that

The benefits of vaccinations far outweigh the risks. The individual risk of serious vaccine damage is estimated at one case per 10,000 to 100,000 vaccinated people.

“The figures impressively show that, despite the rare cases of vaccination complications, Covid-19 vaccinations are an important and effective measure to protect against serious illnesses and deaths,” comments Prof. Dr. med. Klaus Überla, director of the Virological Institute at the University Hospital Erlangen, presented the data. “Without the vaccinations, the number of deaths and Long Covid patients would certainly be many times higher.”

Difficult path to recognizing vaccine damage

Those affected who apply for recognition of vaccine damage often have a long and arduous journey ahead of them. They must prove that their health problems were most likely caused by the vaccination. This proof is not always easy to provide, as medical lawyers explain.

In addition, many applications are rejected by the responsible pension offices. Of the 11,827 applications submitted, only 467 have been approved so far. Those affected often have to take legal action to obtain recognition and compensation. Experts are therefore calling for the procedures to be simplified and accelerated in order to be able to help those injured more quickly.

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Considering⁢ the article mentions Long⁤ Covid and its prevalence, how can awareness of these long-term effects influence‌ individual health decisions during and after the pandemic?

## Open-Ended Interview Questions based on ⁢the⁢ Article:

This ‌article covers‍ several important topics related‌ to the ‍long-term effects of ​Covid-19, particularly on ⁢heart health.

Here are some open-ended questions to initiate a discussion based on the article:

**Section 1: COVID-19 and Heart Health**

* The article states that Covid-19 infection can double the risk​ of ⁣heart attacks and strokes. ⁣What are some of the proposed mechanisms behind this​ heightened ‍risk?

*​ Beyond ‍the⁢ increased risk of cardiovascular ‍events, what other long-term ‍effects might Covid-19 ⁢have ⁢on‍ heart health?

* How can individuals who have had Covid-19, ⁢particularly those with severe ⁣illness, proactively ⁢monitor ​their ⁢cardiovascular health?

**Section 2: Blood Types and Risk**

* The article mentions that ⁢individuals with blood types A, B, and AB are at a⁤ higher ‍risk of blood clots after Covid-19 infection. What‌ are the underlying reasons for this difference in‌ risk based on ‍blood type?

* Should individuals with these blood types ⁣be extra cautious after a Covid-19 infection? What⁣ specific measures might they consider?

**Section 3:⁢ Risk Reduction and Prevention**

* ⁤The article suggests ⁤various ‍ways ⁤to reduce the risk of heart complications after Covid-19. Which of these strategies‌ do you think are most⁤ effective, and why?

* What role can ‌vaccination play in mitigating ‍the long-term cardiovascular risks ‍associated with⁢ Covid-19?

* ⁣Considering⁢ the‌ article mentions ⁣Long Covid and its prevalence, how can awareness of these long-term effects influence individual health decisions​ during and after the pandemic?

**Section​ 4: Vaccine ⁣Injuries and Recognition:**

* The‍ article ‍briefly⁢ discusses recognized vaccine injuries. How can we balance the acknowledged risks of vaccination with the ‌overwhelming benefits they⁤ offer in ⁣terms of preventing severe disease and death?

* What steps can be ‍taken to improve the process of recognizing and supporting individuals who experience vaccine⁢ injuries⁣ while ensuring the continued trust in vaccination programs?

**Further⁢ Discussion:**

* ⁣Considering the ongoing nature ⁤of the pandemic and⁣ its evolving nature, what further research is needed to fully ​understand the long-term impact of Covid-19 ​on cardiovascular health?

These​ questions are designed to encourage a thoughtful and nuanced discussion about⁤ the‍ complex issues ​raised in the article. Remember to ⁤create ‍a safe and respectful ⁤environment for sharing ⁢different perspectives and experiences.