Heart conditions caused by COVID-19 are becoming widespread
Medical experts have warned that heart diseases caused by COVID-19 are becoming widespread globally.
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A new report prepared by experts from Japan's Riken Research Institute highlights concerns that the deadly virus could lead to a global "heart failure epidemic."
RISK OF HEART FAILURE
The report, published on Saturday, claims that the ACE2 receptors to which COVID-19 attaches in human cells are "very common" in the heart and that many who have recovered from the disease suffer from "reduced heart function."
Although the exact cause of this is unknown, it could lead to a series of heart attacks in the future. The report continues by claiming that because "persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection is expected to increase exponentially," the COVID-19 pandemic may have significantly altered the situation for people at risk of heart failure in the future.
NEW VARIANT ON THE HORIZON
Recently, many countries have seen an increase in COVID-19 infections over the past few weeks due to a new variant called JN.1. Experts claim that this will increase the likelihood of potential heart problems in those who contract the disease.
Hidetoshi Masumoto, leader of the Riken Research Institute, stated, "Some people infected with the coronavirus may have persistent viral infections in their hearts. A testing system and treatment methods must be established in preparation for a 'heart failure pandemic' where we will see a rapid increase in the number of heart failure patients."