Overview
Groundbreaking international research led by Université Laval reveals that COVID-19 may cause arteries to age faster in women than in men. The study, involving about 2,100 participants across 18 countries, shows a clear link between SARS‑CoV‑2 infection and increased arterial stiffness in women, a key marker of cardiovascular aging.
How the study was conducted
Researchers examined the aorta, the body’s largest artery, by measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV) — a standard indicator of arterial stiffness. The cohort included four groups: a non-COVID control group of roughly 400 individuals and three infected groups categorized by severity: mild infection not requiring hospitalization, moderate infection requiring hospitalization on a regular ward, and severe infection necessitating intensive care. This design allowed investigators to compare vascular aging across a spectrum of disease severity and against those who had never contracted the virus.
Key findings
In women, PWV was elevated in all three infected groups compared with controls, indicating stiffer arteries after COVID-19 infection. The aging estimate corresponded to about five additional years for those with mild to moderate infection and roughly ten extra years for the severe group. Strikingly, no significant differences were observed among men in any infection category, suggesting a sex-specific response to the virus.
Why the difference between women and men?
Researchers propose that women may experience a stronger inflammatory response to infections, which could lead to greater damage to the vascular lining and endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial cells, which line the interior of blood vessels, appear particularly susceptible to the virus, potentially driving the observed vascular aging in women.
Duration and potential implications
It remains unclear whether this vascular aging is permanent. However, the study found that even one year after infection, the average arterial stiffness in women who had COVID-19 did not return to the level seen in the uninfected group. Persisting arterial stiffness can force the heart to work harder, raise blood pressure, and potentially affect the heart, brain, and kidneys over time.
What this means for cardiovascular risk assessment
The researchers argue that a history of COVID-19 should be considered alongside traditional risk factors—such as hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol levels—when evaluating cardiovascular risk in women. This perspective underscores the need to integrate infection history into risk models and to monitor vascular health in women who have recovered from COVID-19.
<h2 Practical takeaways
Beyond recognizing risk, the study highlights actionable steps. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits—regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and adherence to prescribed medications (especially for hypertension and related conditions)—can help mitigate potential adverse effects on the vasculature. Clinicians are encouraged to consider follow-up assessments of arterial stiffness in women who have had COVID-19, particularly those with severe infections.
<h2 Looking ahead
Although these findings illuminate a concerning sex-specific effect of COVID-19 on vascular aging, further research is needed to determine long-term reversibility and to uncover the exact biological mechanisms involved. In the meantime, this study adds to the growing imperative to incorporate infectious history into cardiovascular care, especially for women, and to promote lifestyle strategies that support vascular health.
