New evidence from Laval and international partners
A large international study led by researchers at Université Laval has found that a COVID-19 infection appears to accelerate vascular aging in women, while men do not show the same effect. The work examined how the disease affects arterial stiffness in about 2,100 people across 18 countries, including different levels of COVID-19 severity and a control group.
How the study was conducted
The researchers assessed vascular health by measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV) in the aorta, the major artery that carries blood from the heart. A higher PWV indicates stiffer arteries, a hallmark of vascular aging. Participants were divided into four groups: women and men who never had COVID-19; those with mild infections not requiring hospitalization; those with moderate infections hospitalized on a regular ward; and those with severe infections admitted to intensive care. Across all three infected groups, women showed higher PWV than the non-infected group, signaling accelerated vascular aging.
Key findings by gender and severity
Among women, the vascular aging effect correlated with the severity of the COVID-19 illness. Mild and moderate infections were associated with an apparent arterial aging of about five years, while severe infections suggested roughly a ten-year acceleration. In contrast, no discernible difference in PWV was observed among men, regardless of infection severity. The authors hypothesize that women’s typically stronger immune responses to infections may drive greater inflammation and more pronounced vascular damage.
What this could mean for health outcomes
Doctors emphasize that arterial stiffness reflects a cumulative burden on the cardiovascular system. Even after the acute infection subsides, the arteries may not immediately return to pre-infection levels. The study notes that, on average, women who had COVID-19 still exhibited higher arterial stiffness one year after infection than those who never had the disease, suggesting possible persistent changes.
Potential consequences for organs and heart health
Increased stiffness of the aorta can force the heart to work harder to pump blood, raise blood pressure, and raise the risk of cardiovascular problems. These changes can affect other organs as well, including the brain and kidneys, drawing new attention to the long-term care needs of women recovering from COVID-19. While the study does not claim permanence, it highlights the possibility of lasting vascular footprints from the initial infection.
Implications for risk assessment and prevention
The researchers argue that a history of COVID-19 should be considered alongside traditional risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol when assessing cardiovascular risk in women. Lifestyle measures remain important: regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and adherence to prescribed treatments for blood pressure or other conditions can help mitigate risk and support vascular health after infection.
What next for patients and clinicians
These findings underscore the need for long-term cardiovascular monitoring in women who have had COVID-19, even if their initial illness was mild. Healthcare providers may consider incorporating vascular health checks into follow-up care and advising women on strategies to protect arterial health in the months and years after infection.
About the study
The study analyzed roughly 2,100 participants from 18 countries, including nearly 400 individuals who had not contracted COVID-19. It categorized participants by infection severity and focused on arterial stiffness as a marker of vascular aging. The work was led by researchers at Université Laval in collaboration with international partners.
