Research reveals that widespread cardiac harm from Covid, providing solutions

Millions of people around the world are suffering from mucus infection and the serious cardiovascular effects of long-term COVID. This lack of clear guidance on how to reduce suffering and prevent further harm means that patients are not receiving the care they need, with some turning to unproven or unsafe treatments.

Major reports published in European Journal of Preventive Psychology Today (Thursday) we set out how we can address this growing problem through diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and vaccination.

This report is a clinical consensus statement written by a group of experts across Europe led by Professor Vassilios Vassiliou of the University of East Anglia and University of Norwich Hospital on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

Professor Vassiliou said: “Covid-19 has a significant and lasting effect on cardiovascular health, with acute disease, recovery, and complications manifested during reinfection or vaccination. Without clear evidence-based guidance, patients risk harmful treatment and clinicians face uncertainty.

This statement provides unified and practical recommendations for prevention, rehabilitation, and long-term care, while also identifying important research gaps and ensuring that strategies continue to evolve with emerging evidence. ”

Vassilios Vassilios, Professor, University of East Anglia

To prepare the report, a group of experts reviewed all existing studies on Covid-19 and cardiovascular disease, including the effects of acute infections, long covid, and covid vaccination. They used this study to agree to a set of recommendations on how to treat or prevent covid's damage cardiovascular effects.

Although the true numbers are considered to be much higher, around 1 billion people are known to have been infected with Covid-19 worldwide, and research shows that patients who need treatment in hospitals, especially those who need treatment, are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from cardiovascular disease.

Researchers estimate that 100 million people currently live with long covids, with about 5% (5 million) of these people having long heart covids and suffering from symptoms such as angina (chest pain), shortness of breath, arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), heart failure, fatigue and dizziness. Also, long COVID can lead to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, where nerves whose normal heart rate, breathing, and body temperature do not function properly, do not function properly.

The expert consensus statement includes advice on continuing to vaccinate against Covid-19, as fully vaccinated individuals are far less likely to suffer from cardiac complications or long coal mines, even if they develop COVID infection. They also set up a way to diagnose and treat symptoms caused by Covid, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting. In particular, this paper recommends a structured cardiac rehabilitation program that includes specialized physical therapy to prevent long-term problems after infection and help you recover from long covids.

Professor Vassiliou said, “Covid doesn't just affect the lungs. It can cause damage to the heart and blood vessels during acute infections and for months that follow. This means that chest pain, shortness of breath, motion pit, or fatigue can be a sign of heart disease.

Finally, experts are seeking equal access to cardiac rehabilitation programs, particularly for those living in rural areas. Professor Vassiliou explained: “Currently, the capacity of rehabilitation services in most of Europe is insufficient to accommodate both traditional cardiac patients and long-heart communities. Regional variability is also important. Therefore, targeted financial investments and resource allocation are necessary to expand service capacity and ensure equitable access.

“Unfortunately, even today, long heart covid continues to affect the quality of life of many patients. We need to ensure patients have equitable access to rehabilitation services, support primary prevention through vaccination and lifestyle programs, and fund research into long covid and cardiovascular outcomes. Health systems must prepare for ongoing burdens, not just cumulative infections.”