The COVID vaccine, also to prevent heart disease

Last August, the European Society of Cardiology published a document entitled "Vaccination: A New Form of Cardiovascular Prevention." The document highlighted that vaccination is key to preventing cardiovascular events following infections such as influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, SARS-CoV-2, or respiratory syncytial virus, especially in high-risk patients. Vaccines, Filippo Crea, director of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Sciences at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli , Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (Italy), told ABC Salud, reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. "The consensus recommends their use according to guidelines from European and American cardiology societies, including vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and patients with congenital heart disease or heart transplants, and concludes that vaccination should be an essential pillar of cardiovascular prevention."

In fact, a meta-analysis on shingles vaccination was presented at the European Congress of Cardiology, showing a significant reduction in cardiovascular risk. Specifically, the study, which examined data from 19 existing studies, concluded that adults vaccinated against shingles had an 18% lower risk of serious heart problems.

Now, research from the University of East Anglia (UK), published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology , underscores the urgent need to continue regular COVID-19 vaccinations worldwide to reduce cardiac risks associated with the virus.

The report, drafted by a group of experts from across Europe and led by Professor Vassilios Vassiliou of UEA and the University Hospital of Norfolk and Norwich, highlights the " profound and lasting impact" of COVID-19 and long COVID on cardiovascular health. The document provides key recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular complications linked to the virus.

"The impact of COVID-19 on our health has been significant, with complications manifesting both during the acute phase of the disease and during recovery," says Vassiliou. "Millions of people around the world are suffering from serious cardiovascular problems due to COVID infection and long COVID."

It is estimated that nearly one billion people have contracted the virus, although the true number is likely even higher. Research shows that those hospitalized with COVID-19 are at increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death from cardiovascular causes. Currently, around 100 million people are living with long COVID, and approximately 5% of them suffer from cardiac manifestations, with symptoms such as angina, dyspnea, arrhythmias, heart failure, fatigue, and dizziness.

The report also notes that long-term COVID-19 can cause autonomic dysfunction, affecting the control of vital functions such as heart rate, breathing, and body temperature.

This consensus emphasizes that vaccination is key to preventing cardiovascular events following respiratory infections such as influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, SARS-CoV-2, and respiratory syncytial virus, especially in high-risk patients. Vaccines not only reduce cardiovascular morbidity but also mortality.

The conclusion is clear: vaccination should be considered an essential pillar of cardiovascular prevention.

The study proposes continuing vaccination programs, since fully vaccinated people have a significantly lower risk of developing cardiac complications or long-term COVID, or implementing structured cardiac rehabilitation programs, including specialized physical therapy, among other measures.

The report emphasizes the need to ensure equitable access to cardiac rehabilitation services, especially in rural or resource-limited areas. " COVID-19 not only affects the lungs; it can also damage the heart and blood vessels, even months after the initial infection," Vassiliou concludes. "Health systems must be prepared to manage this ongoing burden, beyond the acute phase."

The report concludes with a call to action: ensure equal access to rehabilitation programs, strengthen prevention through vaccination and healthy habits, and increase funding for research on long-term COVID and its cardiovascular implications.