Even recovered COVID-19-afflicted individuals face an increased risk of heart failure: Japanese study

A recent study conducted by Japanese researchers and disclosed on December 23 has shed light on a concerning consequence of COVID-19. Even among individuals without apparent heart disease, those who have recovered from the virus may face an increased risk of heart failure due to the lingering presence of the virus in their hearts.

The research team, composed of experts from Riken, a prestigious scientific institution in Japan, has highlighted the troubling possibility of an impending "heart failure pandemic." They emphasize the urgent need for proactive measures to effectively address this looming threat.

COVID-19 infiltrates the body by binding its spike protein to ACE2 receptors on the surfaces of human cells. Notably, the heart contains a higher concentration of these ACE2 receptors compared to other organs, potentially explaining the virus's affinity for cardiac tissue. Although some COVID patients exhibit reduced cardiac function, the intricate mechanisms behind these effects remain incompletely understood.

Hidetoshi Masumoto, the lead researcher at Riken and an expert in regenerative medicine, has underscored the potential for persistent viral infections in the hearts of COVID-19 survivors. He has emphasized the crucial importance of establishing robust testing systems and treatment protocols to anticipate a potential increase in heart failure cases—a vital precautionary measure to fortify against what could unfold as a 'heart failure pandemic.