Covid-19 Infection May Triple Heart Risk In Kids — Here’s All You Need To Know (Image Credits: iStock)
A new study has raised concerns over the long-term effects of Covid-19 on heart health in children and adolescents. While the cardiovascular risks following COVID-19 infection have been well-documented in adults, this research shows that younger populations may also be vulnerable to multiple cardiac complications months after recovering from the virus.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and published in Nature Communications, found that children and teenagers who had tested positive for COVID-19 faced significantly higher chances of developing a range of cardiovascular conditions between one to six months post-infection.
Long-Term Heart Risks in Kids
Researchers analysed electronic health records (EHR) from 19 children’s hospitals and health institutions across the United States. The data, collected between March 2020 and September 2023, included 297,920 children and adolescents who had contracted COVID-19 and 915,402 age-matched people who had not. All participants were monitored for at least six months.
The findings revealed a statistically significant increase in the risk of several cardiovascular outcomes among those previously infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These included high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), ventricular arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle), chest pain, palpitations, cardiac arrest, and thromboembolism (blood clots).
These risks were present in children both with and without congenital heart defects (CHDs). However, those with existing CHD showed a particularly elevated risk of atrial fibrillation, an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that can lead to serious complications.
Obesity May Worsen Heart Risks
The study also looked into how obesity might impact cardiovascular risks. It found that obesity in children was associated with higher odds of developing some severe heart-related outcomes. Interestingly, the risk of experiencing cardiovascular symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations was lower in children with obesity, which the researchers noted could reflect a complex relationship that warrants further investigation.
“While these findings were not substantial, they show the complexity of obesity-related cardiovascular health in paediatric populations,” the research team noted.
Why This Matters: Know the Signs of Heart Trouble
The researchers have raised awareness about these potential long-term risks in younger COVID-19 patients. Early identification of cardiovascular problems can help in timely treatment and reduce the risk of serious health complications later in life.
Some common signs of cardiovascular disorders in children and adolescents include:
Fatigue or reduced ability to exercise
“Awareness of the heightened risk of cardiovascular disorders after SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to timely referrals, diagnostic evaluations, and management,” the researchers wrote. They urged healthcare providers to monitor children and adolescents post-infection closely, even if initial symptoms seem mild.
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