The chances of permanent cardiac problems following Covid-19 infection are low, a new study has revealed.
The largest study on long Covid and heart health conducted in Ireland to date recruited one hundred participants with a recent history of Covid-19 infection.
While the vast majority (53%) reported mild or no symptoms, 35% reported moderate symptoms and 18% reported severe symptoms.
‘A high proportion of those surveyed presented with residual cardiac symptoms’ initially, according to the report, but ‘prevalence of lasting cardiac damage is low.’
The study recruited a total of 100 participants from GP surgeries in Dublin who had a recent history of Covid-19 infection.
Some 60% had received their first dose of vaccine at presentation.
The participants underwent cardiac MRI, ECG, heart-monitor, blood tests and provided their medical history for the research, which will be presented to the Irish Cardiac Society.
Among patients who experienced new onset cardiac specific symptoms since being diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2, 62% reported shortness of breath, 54% palpitations, 53% dizziness or light headedness, 41% chest pain/heaviness, and 4% experienced fainting.
In the 100 cases that participated in the CVRI Dublin led study, the mean age was 45 years, and 64% were female.
