Many Who Had Mild COVID-19 Have Hidden Heart Issues Including Perfusion Defects and Echocardiographic Strain Abnormalities!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 04, 2025 4 hours, 21 minutes ago
Medical News: A Closer Look at Heart Health After Mild COVID-19
A new study has uncovered an alarming link between mild cases of COVID-19 and hidden heart abnormalities, shedding light on potential long-term cardiac effects of the virus. Researchers from the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell-USA, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania-USA, and the Northwell Cardiovascular Institute-USA have conducted a detailed analysis of patients who recovered from mild COVID-19 but later exhibited symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath.
Many Who Had Mild COVID-19 Have Hidden Heart Issues Including Perfusion Defects and
Echocardiographic Strain Abnormalities!
This
Medical News report explores the study’s findings, which reveal that even in cases classified as mild, COVID-19 may have subtle but significant effects on heart function. The researchers used advanced imaging techniques, including single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and strain echocardiography, to detect these abnormalities, highlighting the need for further investigation into the virus’s long-term impact on cardiovascular health.
How the Study Was Conducted
The study analyzed data from patients who had recovered from mild COVID-19 during the early phase of the pandemic, between June 2020 and March 2021. None of these patients had required hospitalization for their infection, and they did not show any signs of severe complications such as elevated troponin levels, which would indicate direct heart damage. However, all of them had experienced unexplained cardiac symptoms post-recovery, prompting physicians to refer them for further cardiac imaging.
To determine whether these patients had any underlying heart issues, researchers utilized SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging, a technique that evaluates blood flow to the heart muscle. They also employed echocardiographic strain analysis, which measures how well different parts of the heart contract and function.
Key Findings of the Study
The results of the study were striking. All 15 patients included in the study exhibited at least one perfusion abnormality in the heart, despite having no evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease. This means that although their heart arteries were not blocked, blood flow to certain areas of the heart muscle was still compromised.
-Perfusion Defects on SPECT Imaging: 47% of the patients showed abnormalities in four regions of the heart, while others displayed defects in one, two, or three segments.
-Echocardiographic Strain Abnormalities: 80% of the patients had reduced global longitudinal strain (GLS), indicating subtle impairments in how the heart muscle contracts.
-Concordance Between the Two Tests: There was a significant 60% overlap between abnormalities detected on SPECT and strain echocardiography, reinforcing the f
inding that mild COVID-19 may cause subtle but detectable myocardial damage.
These findings suggest that even individuals who recover from mild COVID-19 without hospitalization may still develop microvascular dysfunction and subclinical heart issues.
Why These Findings Matter
Previous research on severe COVID-19 cases has already demonstrated an increased risk of heart complications, including myocarditis, arrhythmias, and even heart failure. However, this study is one of the first to show that even mild cases can lead to persistent heart abnormalities.
While the exact mechanism behind these findings remains unclear, researchers believe that microvascular changes triggered by the virus may play a role. COVID-19 has been linked to inflammation and clotting disorders, which could potentially damage small blood vessels in the heart, leading to impaired blood flow and functional changes in heart muscle contraction.
Implications for Patients and Physicians
These findings emphasize the need for increased awareness of potential cardiovascular complications in COVID-19 survivors, even those who experienced only mild symptoms. Physicians should consider monitoring patients with lingering cardiac complaints more closely, potentially using advanced imaging techniques to detect abnormalities that traditional tests might miss.
Additionally, patients who have had mild COVID-19 but continue to experience unexplained symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath should seek medical evaluation. Identifying these issues early could help prevent more serious cardiovascular problems in the future.
Study Limitations and Future Research
While this study provides valuable insights, it is important to note its limitations. The research was conducted with a small sample size of only 15 patients, all of whom were symptomatic. Additionally, the study was performed at a single academic medical center, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Another potential limitation is the predominance of female participants (93%), which raises questions about whether these results would apply equally to male patients.
Future research should focus on larger, more diverse patient populations to confirm these findings and better understand the long-term cardiovascular effects of COVID-19. Additionally, longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether these abnormalities persist over time or resolve on their own.
Conclusion
This study provides compelling evidence that even mild cases of COVID-19 can lead to hidden heart abnormalities, detectable through advanced imaging techniques. The findings highlight the importance of continued monitoring and research to understand the full scope of COVID-19’s impact on heart health.
For now, patients recovering from COVID-19 should remain vigilant about any lingering symptoms and seek medical advice if they experience ongoing chest discomfort, fatigue, or other cardiovascular concerns. Early detection and management of potential heart issues could help mitigate long-term health risks.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Healthcare.
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/13/5/548
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