COVID-19’s Impact on Heart, Brain, and Other Organs

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COVID-19 can cause more than just mild respiratory symptoms like fever and coughing. It can affect various organs in the body.

Dr. Adrian Hernandez, a cardiologist and director of the Duke Clinical Research Institute, notes that symptoms can appear from head to toe. With an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S., experts urge caution, especially for those at high risk.

Even mild cases can lead to long COVID, which includes a wide range of persistent symptoms. Over 200 symptoms are linked to long COVID, according to Hernandez.

While COVID-19 primarily impacts breathing, it’s not just a lung disease. Dr. Nisha Viswanathan, director of the long COVID program at UCLA, argues that it is mainly a vascular and neurologic infection.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, is complex. Researchers are still uncovering its pathways. However, some effects are becoming clear. A significant review published in Nature Reviews Microbiology detailed the virus’s impact on organs, including the pancreas and reproductive system.

Dr. Lindsay McAlpine, a neurologist at Yale, explains that the virus triggers a strong immune response. This can lead to widespread inflammation and excessive blood clotting. The inflammation is systemic, even if viral replication occurs mainly in the lungs.

Image by Glen Carrie for Unsplash

Affected Body Parts

Brain and Nervous System
COVID-19 can affect the brain in various ways. McAlpine has studied strokes linked to COVID-19 and reports brain fog as a common symptom.

The virus may not directly attack brain tissue. Instead, an overactive immune response can cause blood clots that lead to brain issues. Patients often describe their symptoms as feeling like a concussion. These effects can last months, even after a mild case.

In addition to cognitive impairment, there may be new migraines and neuropathy. COVID-19 might also reveal underlying neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.

Heart and Blood Vessels
Research indicates that COVID-19 can raise the risk of heart problems like myocarditis and atrial fibrillation. Clotting risks, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms, can remain elevated for up to a year after infection.

Microclots and autoimmune responses may contribute to these heart issues. A study showed the virus might infect coronary arteries, leading to plaque inflammation and potential heart attacks.

Gastrointestinal System
The gastrointestinal system may be affected differently than the heart. Some studies suggest that the virus can persist in the GI tract even after symptoms resolve elsewhere. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

A study of veterans showed an increased risk of gastrointestinal issues, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome, even in those with mild cases.

Kidneys
A study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found kidney problems after COVID-19 infection. Researchers are still exploring whether these issues stem from illness severity or widespread inflammation.

What You Can Do

Not everyone who contracts COVID-19 will experience these problems. However, if you have symptoms, consult your primary care physician or a long COVID clinic.

Here are some protective steps:

  1. Be cautious if COVID-19 is surging in your area. Consider wearing a mask in crowded places.
  2. Get vaccinated. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 5 and older receive the updated vaccine.
  3. Manage cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, to lower your overall risk.

McAlpine also advises that those with symptoms should isolate to protect others. Hernandez emphasizes the importance of vaccinations, especially for those with existing health conditions. Avoiding illnesses like COVID-19 or the flu is vital for overall health.


Sara

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