Heart health, blood pressure, & blood clot risks after COVID-19

How can COVID-19 affect heart and vascular health?

COVID-19 can affect multiple systems in the body, including the heart and circulatory system. The virus and the body’s immune response to infection can impact the heart muscle, heart rhythm, and blood vessels. The effects can last beyond the initial infection, extending to weeks, months, or even years later.

Researchers continue to study the causes of these changes, but it's thought that inflammation, stress on the cardiovascular system during illness, changes in nervous system regulation, and effects on blood vessels can play a role.

Blood pressure changes after COVID-19 — high, low, and what it may mean

Some people experience changes in their blood pressure when recovering from COVID-19. This can include high readings, low readings, or more fluctuation than is typically expected.

For many people, these changes are temporary and improve over time, but ongoing or severe changes may signal the need for medical evaluation. Healthcare providers may advise monitoring blood pressure over time and discussing any noticeable changes with them.

Some people may also notice changes beyond blood pressure, such as cholesterol levels. This is because the infection can cause metabolic shifts that can impact cholesterol.

Blood clots and stroke risk after COVID-19 – what to watch out for

COVID-19 can increase the risk of blood clots, particularly during and shortly after initial illness. Strokes are not common, but awareness is important because early recognition can be life‑saving.

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms like:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• New difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden vision loss
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Who may be at higher risk for heart or vascular health issues after COVID-19?

Certain factors are associated with a higher risk of heart or vascular health issues during recovery, including:

• Severe or hospitalized COVID-19 illness (take a risk assessment to find out if you are among the 75% of adults at risk of severe COVID-19)
• Preexisting heart, metabolic, or vascular conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure
• Older age or living with multiple chronic conditions

Knowing these risk factors can help you decide when monitoring or follow-up care may be especially important.

What does heart and vascular recovery after COVID-19 look like over time?

Heart and vascular recovery after COVID-19 can look different for everyone. COVID-19-related inflammation can affect blood vessels and how the heart works, especially after more severe illness, but similar changes have been seen after mild infections. Many notice gradual improvement over time, including within about a year. Still, recovery isn’t always complete, and there is no single timeframe that applies to everyone. For some people, heart or vascular symptoms can last for months or even years.

When should you talk to a healthcare provider about heart or vascular-related symptoms after COVID-19?

People should seek medical advice if they experience:

• New, persistent, or worsening symptoms
• Symptoms that interfere with daily functioning

Talking to a healthcare provider can help answer questions and identify next steps if treatment is needed.

Heart health after COVID‑19

Concerns about heart and vascular health after COVID‑19 are understandable. Prior health conditions and the severity of the initial illness can influence recovery experiences and cardiovascular health outcomes. You can take the risk assessment to find out if you may be at risk of severe COVID-19.

Learning about the symptoms, understanding the risks, and knowing when to seek medical advice can help you feel more informed and supported as you move through recovery.