COVID-19 isn’t just a lung infection—it can also seriously impact your blood vessels. While the virus may not directly damage the vessel lining, it triggers intense inflammation that leads to leaky vessels, clotting, and widespread vascular dysfunction. This hidden damage may help explain the increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and long-term health problems even after mild infections. Read more about the findings below.
* indicates peer-reviewed studies
* COVID-19 and the Vasculature: Current Aspects and Long-Term Consequences Martinez-Salazar, B., Holwerda, M., Studle, C. et al. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, Volume 10. February 2022.
* Vascular Alterations Following COVID-19 Infection: A Comprehensive Literature Review Karakasis, P.; Nasoufidou, A.; Sagris, M.; Fragakis, N.; Tsioufis, K. Life . 545. April 24, 2024
*Distinct Features of Vascular Diseases in COVID-19 Ceasovschih A, Sorodoc V, Shor A et al., Journal of Inflammatory Research, 16:2783–2800. July 6, 2023.
* Vascular Aging After COVID-19: A Story of Lasting Injury or Prolonged Healing? AHA/ASA Journals. N=Behrooz, L., E.Ho, J., H.Hamburg, N. Volume 130, Number 9. April 28, 2022.
* COVID-19: A Serious Vascular Disease with Primary Symptoms of a Respiratory Ailment The Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine, Volume 6, Issue 5. Michael Kalaftis. August 21, 2021.
* Long-Term Adverse Effects of Mild COVID-19 Disease on Arterial Stiffness, and Systemic and Central Hemodynamics: A Pre-Post Study Journal of Clinical Medicine. Podrug, M., Karen, P., et al. March 8, 2023.
* COVID-19 Is a Coronary Artery Disease Risk Equivalent and Exhibits a Genetic Interaction With ABO Blood Type Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology Volume 24, Volume 11. Hilsner, J.R., Spencer, N.J. et al., October 9, 2024.
Is COVID-19 a Disease of the Blood Vessels? British Heart Foundation. Dr. Pheobe Kitscha. May 12, 2023
Your Vascular System and COVID Heart and Stroke Foundation. May 2, 2023.
Clots, Strokes And Rashes. Is COVID-19 A Disease Of The Blood Vessels? NPR, Will Stone. November 5, 2020.