Patients with COVID-19 had increased risk for acute MI and ischemic stroke at 14 d vs. matched controls

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular epidemiology
• Infectious disease outcomes
• Public health research

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about potential long-term cardiovascular complications.
• Understanding the acute and sustained risks of major adverse cardiovascular events after SARS-CoV-2 infection is crucial for patient management and public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between COVID-19 and the subsequent risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and ischemic stroke (IS).
• To quantify the temporal risk patterns of AMI and IS following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Methods:

• A self-controlled case series (SCCS) design was employed using Swedish national registers.
• Matched cohort analysis was also conducted to compare individuals with and without COVID-19.
• The study included a large cohort of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19.

Main Results:

• A significantly elevated risk of AMI and IS was observed in the weeks immediately following a COVID-19 diagnosis.
• The risk remained elevated for several months, although it gradually decreased over time.
• The highest risk was noted within the first month post-infection for both outcomes.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 is associated with a substantial short-term and medium-term increased risk of acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke.
• These findings underscore the importance of cardiovascular monitoring in patients recovering from COVID-19.
• Public health interventions should consider the cardiovascular sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.