COVID tied to faster blood vessel aging, especially in women
Written for Medical Realities by Meghan Gessner on August 27, 2025
Since early 2020, hundreds of millions have caught COVID. It hits the lungs first, but research keeps showing ripple effects across the body—gut, nerves, and especially the heart-and-vessel system.
What new research suggests
A recent multi-country study found that people who’d had COVID—even mild cases—showed stiffer arteries than folks who’d never been infected. The effect showed up more in women and in people dealing with long COVID symptoms.
Why “stiffer arteries” matters
Stiffer vessels mean your blood pressure wave travels faster, which is linked to higher cardiovascular risk (think heart attack and stroke risk over time). Researchers frame this as “vascular aging”—your arteries behaving older than your birth certificate says.
How scientists measured “vascular age”
Teams from 16 countries assessed about 2,390 adults. They used a standard device to measure carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV)—how quickly a pressure wave moves from the neck artery to the thigh artery. Higher PWV = stiffer vessels = older “vascular age.”
What they found across groups
Participants were grouped as:
- Had COVID but not hospitalized
- Hospitalized on a regular floor
- Hospitalized in ICU
- Never had COVID
All three COVID groups showed higher PWV than the never-COVID group—after accounting for usual aging factors and risks like high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and obesity.
The “five-year” aging signal
Based on PWV changes, researchers estimate COVID can nudge vascular age forward by up to ~5 years in some people. That doesn’t mean everyone, but it’s a strong signal that arterial stiffness can persist after infection.
Why women may be hit harder
Data in this cohort suggested women showed a more noticeable stiffness bump than men. The study didn’t prove why, but hypotheses include immune-response differences, hormone influences, and baseline vessel biology.
Where long COVID fits in
People with long COVID—symptoms stretching past a few weeks—tended to show more pronounced PWV increases. That aligns with ongoing inflammation theories and helps explain why some feel lingering fatigue, brain fog, or exercise intolerance.
Not just a lung virus
From the start, cardiovascular specialists warned SARS-CoV-2 can directly affect vascular cells and trigger clotting/inflammation cascades. This PWV signal fits that bigger story: post-infection changes may silently push arterial stiffness upward.
Why early detection matters
Catching silent shifts—like rising pulse wave velocity—lets clinicians tighten up prevention: blood pressure control, lipid management, movement, sleep, and other heart-healthy habits. The study’s message: watch the vessels, not just the lungs.
Jargon-to-plain-English cheat sheet
- Arterial stiffness: vessels less springy, pressure wave travels faster
- PWV (pulse wave velocity): speed check for that pressure wave; higher = stiffer
- Vascular aging: arteries acting “older” than your chronological age
- Long COVID: symptoms that hang on beyond ~3 weeks post-infection
COVID Tied to Stiffer Arteries — Especially in Women
What researchers are seeing
New data points to a clear signal: after a COVID infection, arteries tend to get stiffer (think: higher pulse-wave velocity, a common measure of arterial stiffness and vascular aging). The effect shows up most in women and in folks dealing with long COVID symptoms.
Why women may be hit harder
Women are more likely to report long-haul issues than men and, according to researchers, immune differences could be part of it. As one investigator put it, women often mount a faster, stronger immune response that helps during the acute phase—great for fighting off the virus—but that same heightened response can also ding blood vessels later and feed persistent symptoms.
How big is the change?
In women who had mild COVID (no hospital stay), the average jump in pulse-wave velocity was about 0.55 m/s—roughly what you’d expect from five years of vascular aging. In plain terms: post-COVID, some women’s arteries looked older than they should, which can nudge up future risk for heart attack and stroke. The upside: this kind of vascular damage is detectable and often modifiable.
Not just a “lung thing”
A cardiologist we spoke with, Dr. Aaron Miles from a major Miami cardiac center, called this one of the better-designed looks at post-COVID vessel health: people with prior COVID showed consistently higher pulse-wave velocity. His take: COVID can directly affect the cardiovascular system, and survivors may need closer checks on blood pressure, cholesterol, and lifestyle—with vaccination in the mix as a protective layer.
The long-game concern
Dr. Chris Yates, a board-certified vascular surgeon at a Southern California medical center, noted that the most striking finding was accelerated vascular aging even in women who were never hospitalized. The multicenter, multinational setup boosts confidence that this isn’t a one-off signal.
What to do with this info
- Ask your clinician about a vascular health check if you’ve had COVID—especially if you’re experiencing long COVID symptoms (fatigue, brain fog, chest tightness, palpitations).
- Keep tabs on the basics: BP, lipids, A1C (if relevant), and inflammation markers if your provider recommends it.
- Double down on the usual heart-smart habits: steady exercise, Mediterranean-style eating, sleep, stress management, and not smoking.
- Stay current on vaccinations—lowering infection risk also lowers the odds of more vascular hits.
COVID & Blood Vessel Aging — U.S. Patient FAQ
What does “blood vessel aging” mean in the context of COVID?
It refers to signals that arteries and tiny vessels are behaving “older” than expected—often due to endothelial dysfunction, stiffness, or inflammation. After COVID, some people show changes like higher blood pressure variability, reduced exercise tolerance, or symptoms tied to poor microcirculation.
Are women at higher risk for these vascular changes?
Emerging U.S. and international research suggests women—especially those in midlife or with hormonal transitions—may report more post-COVID symptoms consistent with microvascular dysfunction (e.g., chest discomfort, palpitations, brain fog, fatigue). The exact reasons are still being studied, but immune and hormonal factors likely play a role.
Is this the same thing as Long COVID?
Vascular aging and endothelial issues can be part of Long COVID for some people, but not everyone with Long COVID has measurable vessel changes. Long COVID is an umbrella term for ongoing symptoms 4+ weeks after infection; the vascular system is one area doctors evaluate when symptoms fit that pattern.
Who in the U.S. should be most alert to this risk?
People with prior heart or vascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune conditions, or repeated COVID infections. Women in their 30s–60s reporting new chest tightness, palpitations, dizziness on standing, or exercise intolerance after COVID should talk with a clinician.
What symptoms might point to post-COVID vessel issues?
Common reports include “brain fog,” headaches, chest pressure, shortness of breath, racing heart, lightheadedness when standing (possible POTS), cold or color-changing hands/feet, and unusual fatigue after mild activity. Any red-flag symptoms (severe chest pain, fainting, signs of stroke) deserve immediate care (call 911).
How do U.S. doctors evaluate this? Are there specific tests?
Workups vary by symptom but may include vitals and orthostatic tests, EKG, echocardiogram, basic labs, inflammatory markers, lipid panel, and sometimes vascular function assessments (e.g., endothelial tests, arterial stiffness measures) or a cardiology referral. Your primary care clinician can coordinate appropriate steps.
Does COVID vaccination help lower the vascular risk?
Vaccination reduces the odds of severe infection and complications. Many clinicians believe that preventing or blunting infection also reduces downstream risks, including potential vascular effects. If you’re unsure about boosters, discuss timing and eligibility with your clinician.
What can I do at home to support vessel health post-COVID?
Focus on basics that improve endothelial function: graduated return to activity (start low, go slow), adequate sleep, stress management, heart-healthy eating, hydration, and managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Avoid smoking and discuss any supplements or meds with your clinician first.
Should I take aspirin, vitamins, or “blood thinners” on my own?
No—self-medicating can be risky. Aspirin and anticoagulants can cause bleeding and aren’t right for everyone. Even “natural” supplements can interact with medicines. Get medical guidance first, especially if you have symptoms or conditions affecting clotting or blood pressure.
How long can these vascular-type symptoms last? Do they improve?
Courses vary. Many people improve gradually over weeks to months with symptom-guided care and pacing. If symptoms persist or worsen, follow up—there may be treatable contributors (deconditioning, dysautonomia, anemia, uncontrolled BP, sleep apnea, etc.).
I’m a woman in my 40s getting chest tightness after COVID. Who should I see in the U.S.?
Start with your primary care clinician. Based on your history and exam, they may refer you to cardiology (including cardio-obstetrics or women’s heart health programs) or a multidisciplinary Long COVID clinic. Most U.S. insurers, including many employer plans and Medicare, cover medically necessary evaluations—confirm with your plan.
Does reinfection increase the chance of vascular problems?
Multiple infections are generally linked with greater overall health risks than a single infection. Reducing exposure, staying current on vaccines, and treating eligible infections promptly can help lower cumulative risk.
Can I return to running or the gym if I still feel “off” after COVID?
Yes—many people do well with a graded return: begin with gentle activity you can tolerate, increase by small increments, and pause if symptoms spike. If you experience chest pain, syncope, or irregular heartbeat, stop and seek medical advice before resuming.
Does menopause, pregnancy, or postpartum status change the picture?
Hormonal shifts can affect vascular tone and symptoms like palpitations or heat intolerance. Pregnant or postpartum patients should discuss any post-COVID symptoms with their OB-GYN and primary care; care plans may include cardiology if indicated.
My teen had COVID and now tires easily. Could this be vascular?
Teens can experience post-viral fatigue and, less commonly, symptoms suggestive of dysautonomia or microvascular changes. Start with the pediatrician; they can screen for other causes (iron deficiency, sleep issues, conditioning) and guide safe return to school and sports.
This FAQ provides general information for U.S. readers and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you have urgent symptoms (like severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or stroke signs), call 911.
