Study Reveals The Impact Of COVID-19 On Women, Triggers The Risk Of Stroke And Heart Disease

JAKARTA - COVID-19 has had some adverse effects on health other than breathing, especially for women. A recent study says that this virus leaves hidden problems in the female body, namely premature aging in blood vessels that has an effect on heart problems and stroke.

The study was published in the European Heart Journal, which involved nearly 2,400 adults in 16 countries. The researchers analyzed changes in arterial rigidity in the range 6 to 12 months after the COVID-19 infection.

As a result, women who have been infected experience stiffness in blood vessels the equivalent of five years of ageing faster. This condition is closely related to increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

"Covid can directly affect blood vessels. These findings highlight long-term consequences, especially for women," said Professor Rosa Maria Bruno, quoted from the New York Post, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

This effect is most clearly seen in infected women being treated in the ICU. However, those being treated at home also showed signs of damage to blood vessels, while in men there was a similar but not statistically significant impact.

This study also revealed the relationship between long Covid and vascular aging. Women who still feel prolonged symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or concentration disorders are more prone to arterial rigidity.

However, there are findings that also give hope. Women who have been vaccinated experience lower levels of arterial stiffness than those who have not received the vaccine.

This shows that vaccination provides additional protection, not only preventing severe symptoms when infected. In addition to vaccination, it is also recommended for women who have been infected to routinely check heart health, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and keep blood pressure stable to reduce the risk of heart problems and stroke.