Covid could trigger 'heart failure pandemic'. Health experts warn of 'global healthcare risk' after New Year

After several countries witnessed a surge in COVID cases in recent weeks, largely due to the influx of a new strain JN.1, health experts have warned that this will increase the chances of potential heart issues for those who catch the disease. It could trigger a "heart failure pandemic" with experts sending a huge warning about a new and worrying "global healthcare risk". The researchers at Japan's top institute Riken have warned in a report that the ACE2 receptors that coronavirus clings to within human cells are "very common" in the heart. Consequently, many of those who get infected with the virus, suffer from "reduced cardiac function".

Heart failure due to coronavirus

The report is silent on the reasons, but the COVID pandemic may have significantly changed the situation as those at risk of future heart failure due to "persistent infection of SARS-CoV-2 is expected to exponentially increase".

The report says, "Even though conclusive clinical evidence that persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with declined cardiac function has not been reported so far, the proof-of-concept study of the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 persistent infection of the heart and the potential risk of opportunistic progression of heart failure should be validated by a three-dimensional human cardiac tissue model which would serve as the alarm bell for a global healthcare risk."

Spike before holidays

The latest warning comes with Covid cases significantly spiking in the US as millions of people prepared to travel for the holiday season. The fast-spreading JN.1 variant makes up 44 percent of all cases nationwide

Riken Research Leader Hidetoshi Masumoto told 'Daily Express US', "Some people infected with Coronavirus may have persistent viral infections in their hearts." Expressing concerns about the situation, he also said that a testing system and treatment methods must be established in preparation for a 'heart failure pandemic,' in which we will see a rapid increase in the number of heart failure patients.

Large uptick in illness in winter

Health officials have warned that combined with a rising number of flu cases, there could be a large uptick in illnesses this winter - especially ahead of crowded social events for New Year’s celebrations.

FAQs:

What have the health experts said on covid-related heart diseases?
After several countries, including the US, the UK and China, witnessed a surge in COVID cases in recent weeks, largely due to the influx of a new strain JN.1, health experts have warned that this will increase the chances of potential heart issues for those who catch the disease.

How is heart disease linked to COVID-19?
The researchers at Japan's top institute Riken have warned in a report that the ACE2 receptors that coronavirus clings to within human cells are "very common" in the heart. Consequently, many of those who get infected with the virus, suffer from "reduced cardiac function".