Covid linked vascular aging raises risk for women

French researchers warn that even mild Covid can accelerate vascular aging, with stronger effects seen in women, potentially raising long term cardiovascular and cognitive risks.

Covid linked vascular aging raises risk for women

A French study of 2,390 adults from 16 countries measured vascular aging using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). Measurements taken six months after infection and again at 12 months showed increases in PWV, indicating stiffer arteries. In women with mild Covid, PWV rose by 0.55 meters per second; those hospitalized by 0.60; and those treated in intensive care by 1.09. A 0.5 m/s increase is considered clinically relevant and roughly equals five years of vascular aging, rising the risk of heart disease. Vaccination status appeared to matter: vaccinated individuals tended to have less arterial stiffness, and vascular aging seemed to stabilise or improve slightly over time for them. Researchers propose that the virus may age vessels through direct infection of blood vessel lining via ACE2 receptors or through the body’s inflammatory and immune responses. They note that differences in immune system function may partly explain why women could be more affected by this aging process. The team plans longer follow up to see if accelerated vascular aging translates into more heart attacks or strokes. Outside observers, including Dr Behnood Bikdeli of Harvard Medical School, emphasize that post-acute Covid-19 syndrome continues to pose challenges and that identifying modifiable targets could help during future infection surges.

The findings add to a growing concern about long term health after Covid, but they also require careful interpretation. PWV is a proxy for vascular aging, not a direct forecast of future events. The gender difference invites scrutiny: are biology, hormones, or reporting patterns driving the disparity, or is it a function of immune response timing? The study signals the need for targeted follow up in patients with even mild infections, especially older women and those with risk factors. It also underscores the importance of vaccination as part of long term cardiovascular protection, even if vaccines do not prevent all effects of the virus. Policymakers should balance messaging about individual risk with the science of prevention and proactive health monitoring.

Highlights

The study raises important questions about how we monitor vascular health after infection and how we guide patients over several years.