Long COVID and Its Long-Term Impact on Heart and Lung Health

Recent research indicates that individuals experiencing long COVID may face extended inflammation in their heart and lungs, which could predispose them to future cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. A comprehensive study conducted at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai utilized advanced PET/MRI imaging techniques on patients suffering persistent cardiopulmonary symptoms months after initial infection with SARS-CoV-2. Despite normal results in standard tests, many patients showed signs of ongoing inflammation in vital tissues, including the myocardium, pericardium, heart valves, and blood vessels. These abnormalities correlate with symptoms like chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

The study involved 100 adults with confirmed COVID-19, most of whom had no pre-existing heart disease. About 300 days post-infection, 91 patients underwent imaging that revealed significant inflammatory changes in over half of the participants. Specifically, alterations such as scarring of the heart muscle, pericardial inflammation, and vascular involvement were identified, which are potential precursors to conditions like myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension, and valvular diseases.

Complementing imaging results, blood tests showed abnormal patterns of inflammatory and immune-regulating proteins, reinforcing evidence of ongoing tissue inflammation. A control group of individuals with prior COVID-19 but no lingering symptoms did not exhibit these changes, highlighting the link between persistent symptoms and tissue inflammation.

These findings underscore the importance of careful evaluation of long COVID symptoms and suggest that molecular imaging, like PET/MRI, may be critical for early detection of hidden cardiovascular and pulmonary damage. Researchers emphasize that SARS-CoV-2 has a profound impact on vascular health, and each new infection may contribute to cumulative damage. Continuous follow-up of affected patients aims to better understand long-term outcomes and identify those at highest risk for chronic disease development.

This study not only enhances our understanding of long COVID’s effects but also advocates for integrating advanced imaging tools into post-infection care protocols, ultimately aiming to prevent serious future health complications. For more detailed insights, refer to the full study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.