Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Effects of Surgical Masks on Cardiopulmonary Function in Healthy Subjects
06:57

Effects of Surgical Masks on Cardiopulmonary Function in Healthy Subjects

Published on: February 12, 2021

Cardiovascular, Renal, and Pulmonary Risks of Long COVID: A Retrospective Cohort Study Stratified by Age and Sex

Akash Pradeep1, Izola Ramalho1, Martha L Carvour1,2

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine Iowa City IA USA.

Journal of the American Heart Association
|August 20, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Long COVID significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular, renal, and pulmonary issues, particularly in younger adults. Ongoing monitoring and risk reduction are crucial for managing these post-COVID conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • A significant number of COVID-19 survivors develop Long COVID, a condition with unclear cardiovascular risks.
  • The long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on cardiovascular, renal, and pulmonary health requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between Long COVID and adverse cardiovascular, renal, and pulmonary (CRP) outcomes.
  • To compare the risk of CRP outcomes in individuals with and without Long COVID.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cohort study utilizing the TriNetX network (>150 million patients).
  • Adults with COVID-19 were categorized by the presence or absence of clinically recognized Long COVID.
  • Propensity score matching was employed to control for confounders, analyzing 15 CRP outcomes across different age groups.

Main Results:

  • Long COVID was linked to an increased risk of most CRP outcomes across all age groups and sexes.
  • Younger adults, particularly young women (cardiovascular/renal) and young men (pulmonary), exhibited disproportionately higher relative risks.
  • Prior SARS-CoV-2 vaccination did not show a consistent association with reduced CRP risk.

Conclusions:

  • Clinically diagnosed Long COVID is associated with a higher incidence of CRP outcomes.
  • Younger adults face relatively higher risks, underscoring the need for targeted surveillance and risk mitigation strategies for Long COVID patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
Long COVIDcardiovascular diseasechronic kidney diseasepulmonary diseaserisk stratification

Related Concept Videos

COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features01:20

COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
Longitudinal Studies01:26

Longitudinal Studies

Longitudinal studies are also widely used in other medical and social science fields. For instance, in cardiovascular research, they can monitor patients' health over decades to identify risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol or smoking, and evaluate the long-term effectiveness of preventive measures. Similarly, in mental health studies, researchers might follow individuals from adolescence into adulthood to understand the development and progression of conditions like...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies01:27

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies

Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.01:25

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.

Understanding the variety of primary symptoms and systemic complications that characterize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial for healthcare professionals.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.