Severe COVID-19 refers to a more serious form of illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
While many people who contract COVID-19 experience mild or moderate symptoms, some people can develop severe symptoms that can be life-threatening.
Severe COVID-19 is more likely to occur in certain groups of people, such as older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.
Symptoms of severe COVID-19 can include difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, bluish lips or face, and an inability to stay awake or respond.
In severe cases, people may need to be hospitalized and may require oxygen therapy or even mechanical ventilation to help them breathe.
Some people with severe COVID-19 may also develop complications such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, and organ failure.
In a study from the University of Oslo and elsewhere, scientists suggest that patients who have been hospitalized with severe COVID-19 may experience permanent changes in their cholesterol levels that increase their risk of developing heart disease later in life.
The researchers found that, 3 months after recovering from COVID-19, these patients had changes in the composition of their “bad” LDL cholesterol particles, including the presence of inflammatory substances.
High levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
When LDL particles have an altered composition, they may collect in the walls of blood vessels, which can drive the development of heart disease over time.
The researchers suggest that the changes in cholesterol observed in COVID-19 patients could be a possible explanation for the increased risk of cardiovascular disease seen in some COVID-19 patients.
However, they note that further research is needed to confirm this link.
It’s important to note that lifestyle factors, such as smoking and obesity, also play a role in the development of heart disease, so patients who have recovered from severe COVID-19 should speak with their healthcare provider about their individual risk factors.
The researchers used a new method to measure changes in LDL particles, which could be used to identify patients who are at a higher risk of developing heart disease.
By identifying those at risk, healthcare providers can take preventive measures, such as prescribing medications to lower LDL cholesterol levels.
Overall, this study suggests that severe COVID-19 may have long-term effects on the body’s cholesterol transport system, and that patients who have recovered from severe COVID-19 may be at increased risk for developing heart disease.
More research is needed to fully understand this link and to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies for these patients.
It’s important to note that not everyone who develops COVID-19 will experience severe symptoms.
However, it’s still important to take steps to prevent the spread of the virus and protect yourself and others, such as getting vaccinated, wearing a mask in public settings, practicing physical distancing, washing your hands regularly, and avoiding large gatherings.
If you do develop symptoms of COVID-19, it’s important to get tested and follow public health guidelines for self-isolation to help prevent the spread of the virus to others.
The treatment of severe COVID-19 is a complex process that requires close monitoring and management by healthcare professionals in a hospital setting.
The specific treatment plan may vary depending on the individual case. It’s important to note that early detection and intervention can improve outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19.
Anyone experiencing severe symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
If you care about COVID, please see recent studies that mouthwashes may suppress COVID-19 virus, and results showing zinc could help reduce COVID-19 infection risk.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about How vitamin K helps protect the heart, reduce blood clots and death risk, and results showing that the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease.
The study was conducted by Thor Ueland et al and published in the Journal of Infection.
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