Study shows Covid infected kids, adolescents more likely to have heart disease

IANS April 12, 2025 218 views

A groundbreaking study from the University of Pennsylvania has uncovered alarming evidence about Covid-19's long-term cardiovascular impact on children and adolescents. Researchers analyzed health records of nearly 300,000 children, revealing significantly higher risks of heart-related conditions after infection. The study found increased likelihood of hypertension, heart failure, and other cardiac symptoms across different pediatric populations. These findings underscore the critical importance of monitoring children's cardiovascular health in the post-Covid era.

"Awareness of the heightened risk of cardiovascular disorders after SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to timely referrals" - Research Team, Nature Communications
New Delhi, April 12: While the risk of cardiovascular outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection has been reported in adults, a new study showed that children and adolescents are also likely to develop multiple cardiac signs and symptoms.

Key Points

1

Study tracked nearly 300,000 Covid-infected children for six months

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Significant increased risks of multiple heart-related conditions

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Cardiovascular risks consistent across patient groups with and without heart defects

The evidence of heart disease post-Covid infection in children and adolescents is limited.

The study, led by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, revealed children and adolescents remained at risk of cardiovascular disease, including higher odds of high blood pressure and heart failure, between one to six months after Covid-19 infection.

The team analysed electronic health records (EHR) data from 19 children's hospitals and health institutions in the US between March 2020 and September 2023.

The study involved 297,920 children and adolescents with Covid infection and 915,402 without infection -- all of them were followed up for at least six months.

The results showed that "children and adolescents with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection are at a statistically significant increased risk of various cardiovascular outcomes"

This includes "hypertension, ventricular arrhythmias, myocarditis, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrest, thromboembolism, chest pain, and palpitations, compared to uninfected controls," said the researchers in the paper published in the journal Nature Communications.

Notably, the team said that the findings remained consistent among patients with and without childhood heart defects (CHDs). However, children with CHD showed a higher risk of atrial fibrillation -- an irregular heartbeat condition.

Further, the study observed a positive association between obesity and increased risks for certain severe cardiovascular outcomes, coupled with lower risks for cardiovascular symptoms, in children and adolescents.

"While these findings were not substantial, they highlight the complexity of obesity-related cardiovascular health in paediatric populations," said the team

"Awareness of the heightened risk of cardiovascular disorders after SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to timely referrals, diagnostic evaluations, and management to mitigate long-term cardiovascular complications in children and adolescents," they added.

Reader Comments

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Sarah K.
This is so concerning as a parent 😔 My 10-year-old had COVID last year and now I'm wondering if we should get his heart checked. The study seems thorough but I wish they gave more specific guidance on when to seek medical attention.
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Mike T.
Important research, but I think the media might be overstating the risks. The study shows increased *relative* risk, but the absolute numbers are still quite low. Still good to be aware though!
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Jennifer L.
As a pediatric nurse, I've seen more kids with unexplained chest pain post-COVID. This study confirms what we've been observing clinically. Parents - don't ignore symptoms like fatigue or palpitations in your kids!
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Raj P.
The obesity connection is interesting. Makes me wonder if healthier lifestyle choices could help mitigate some of these risks post-infection. More reason to focus on nutrition and exercise for our kids.
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Tanya W.
My daughter (13) had myocarditis after COVID last year. Scariest time of our lives. She's doing better now but we have to monitor her heart regularly. So grateful for research like this raising awareness ❤️
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David C.
While the study is valuable, I wish they'd included more international data. The US healthcare system and population might not represent global patterns. Still, better safe than sorry when it comes to kids' health.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Covid-19 Heart Disease Pediatric Health Coronavirus Complications University of Pennsylvania Research
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