Covid Found to Accelerate Aging in Women: Unveiling Gender-Specific Health Impacts

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Covid-19 Linked to Accelerated Arterial Ageing, Women Most Affected: New Study Reveals

August 19, 2025

A groundbreaking new study involving 2,390 individuals across 16 nations has revealed a concerning link between Covid-19 infection – even mild cases – and accelerated arterial ageing. The research,published in the European Heart Journal,indicates that the virus can stiffen blood vessels,mirroring the changes typically seen with natural ageing and raising the risk of serious cardiovascular issues.

Impact Disproportionately Affects Women

The study notably found that the impact of Covid-19 on arterial health was more pronounced in women than in men. Researchers attribute this to the female immune system’s robust response, which, while effective in fighting off the virus, may inadvertently cause more damage to blood vessels. According to the Centers for Disease control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, underscoring the importance of these findings.

How the Study Was Conducted

participants were divided into four groups: those who had never contracted covid-19, those with recent mild infections, those hospitalised on general wards, and those requiring intensive care. Vascular age was assessed using a pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement, which tracks the speed of blood flow from the neck to the legs. A higher PWV indicates greater arterial stiffness and an elevated vascular age.

Key Findings: Vascular Ageing and Covid-19

All Covid-19 infected groups exhibited stiffer arteries compared to those who remained uninfected. Those with persistent long Covid symptoms, such as shortness of breath and fatigue, experienced a more important effect. Vaccinated individuals, though, generally showed less arterial stiffness than their unvaccinated counterparts.

group	Average PWV Increase (m/s)	Equivalent Ageing (Years)
Mild covid (Women)	0.55	5
Hospitalised Covid (Women)	0.60	5.4
Intensive Care Covid (Women)	1.09	9.8

Did You Know? A PWV increase of just 0.5 meters per second is considered clinically significant, raising the risk of cardiovascular disease by approximately 3 percent in a 60-year-old woman.

The Science Behind the Findings

Professor Rosa Maria Bruno, led researcher from Université Paris-Cité, explained that the Covid-19 virus targets ACE2 receptors found on the lining of blood vessels. This interaction can lead to vascular dysfunction and accelerated ageing.The body’s inflammatory and immune responses may also contribute to this process.

Protecting Your Vascular Health

Researchers emphasize that while these findings are concerning,lifestyle interventions and medical treatments can help mitigate the risk of vascular ageing. Maintaining a healthy diet,regular exercise,and managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels are crucial steps. Pro Tip: Consider incorporating stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation or yoga, into your routine, as chronic stress can negatively impact cardiovascular health.

Looking Ahead

Scientists are continuing to monitor study participants to determine whether the observed vascular ageing translates into a higher incidence of heart attacks and strokes.This ongoing research will provide further insights into the long-term cardiovascular consequences of Covid-19.

Understanding arterial Stiffness

Arterial stiffness, or loss of elasticity in the arteries, is a natural part of the ageing process. Though, factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and now, viral infections like Covid-19, can accelerate this process.Maintaining vascular health is vital for preventing heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of all Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease.

Frequently asked Questions about Covid-19 and Arterial health

• what is arterial ageing? Arterial ageing is the natural stiffening of arteries over time, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• How does covid-19 effect arteries? Covid-19 can cause inflammation and damage to blood vessels, accelerating the ageing process.
• Are women more vulnerable to this effect? Yes, women tend to experience a more significant impact on arterial health due to their robust immune response.
• Does vaccination help protect against arterial ageing? Studies suggest that vaccination is associated with less arterial stiffness compared to being unvaccinated.
• What can I do to protect my arterial health? Lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and managing stress can definitely help maintain vascular health.
• Is long Covid related to arterial stiffness? Yes, individuals experiencing persistent long Covid symptoms often show more pronounced arterial stiffness.
• How is arterial stiffness measured? Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a common measurement used to assess arterial stiffness.

What are your thoughts on these findings? Do you think more research is needed to fully understand the long-term cardiovascular effects of Covid-19? Share your opinions in the comments below!