19 Sep 2025: As the world slowly recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors and researchers warn of a quieter, long-term concern: the virus’s hidden effects on heart health. Even after recovery, COVID-19 has been linked to changes in the arteries and cardiovascular system, raising the risk of heart-related conditions in the months and years that follow.
The Lingering Effects of COVID
While many people think of COVID-19 as a respiratory illness, studies show that it also impacts the heart and blood vessels. The virus can trigger inflammation throughout the body, including in the cardiovascular system. This inflammation can accelerate arterial ageing—making blood vessels less flexible and more prone to blockages.
A report published in Nature Medicine in 2023 found that people who had recovered from COVID-19 faced higher risks of hypertension (high blood pressure), irregular heartbeats, and blood clots, compared to those who never contracted the virus.
Why Arterial Ageing Matters
Healthy arteries are flexible, allowing smooth blood flow. With age, arteries naturally stiffen, but COVID-19 appears to speed up this process. Stiffer arteries mean the heart has to pump harder, which can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, or even stroke.
“COVID-19 doesn’t just end when your test turns negative. Its impact on blood vessels can last far longer, raising risks we must not ignore,” said Dr. Rajiv Menon, a cardiologist at AIIMS Delhi.
Risks Beyond the Infection Period
Doctors have noted that some patients—especially those who had moderate to severe COVID—continue to report symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, and fatigue months after recovery. This condition, often described as “long COVID”, may reflect ongoing cardiovascular strain.
Younger people are not immune either. Although most severe complications affect older adults, research has shown that even in patients under 40, there is a measurable increase in blood pressure and risk of cardiac events after infection.
Lifestyle, COVID, and the Heart
Apart from the direct effects of the virus, lifestyle changes during the pandemic also contributed to worsening heart health. Sedentary habits, weight gain, poor diet, and increased screen time added to cardiovascular risks. For many, lockdown periods disrupted routine exercise and medical check-ups, delaying diagnosis of conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
Mumbai and Urban Trends
In Mumbai, doctors at several hospitals report an increase in young professionals being diagnosed with hypertension and early arterial stiffening after COVID-19 recovery. Many of these patients had no prior history of heart problems.
Public health experts suggest that urban lifestyles, combined with post-COVID complications, are creating a “double burden” on India’s already strained healthcare system.
What Experts Recommend
To reduce long-term risks, doctors suggest the following measures for those recovering from COVID-19:
- Regular Check-ups: Monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
- Heart Screening: ECGs and echocardiograms may be advised for those with persistent chest discomfort or fatigue.
- Exercise Safely: Gentle activity such as walking or yoga can improve heart health, but should be resumed gradually.
- Balanced Diet: Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and reduced salt intake can protect blood vessels.
- Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Both worsen arterial ageing and increase heart risk.
“We need to treat COVID recovery as more than just testing negative. Cardiovascular follow-ups should be part of post-COVID care plans,” emphasized Dr. Menon.
The Road Ahead
As India continues to strengthen its healthcare system, experts believe that integrating post-COVID cardiac care into national health policy is crucial. Public awareness campaigns could help people recognize early warning signs and adopt heart-healthy habits.
Globally, researchers are still studying the long-term links between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease. However, the consensus is clear: ignoring the silent impact of COVID on heart health could lead to a future rise in cardiac cases.
Summary
COVID-19 can accelerate arterial ageing and raise long-term heart risks. Experts urge regular screenings, healthier lifestyles, and awareness, especially in younger populations, to address the virus’s hidden cardiovascular impact.