The Covid-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered the physiological landscape of individuals around the globe. Beyond the oft-quoted and widely recognised respiratory impact, the virus has also demonstrated its ability to traverse various bodily functions, leaving a trail of physiological changes in its wake.
From the intricate dynamics of the immune response to cardiovascular issues, Covid-19 has brought about unprecedented impacts on human health in various ways.
But what are the correlations, if any, between Covid-19 and an increase in stroke incidences, especially among the young? In light of the current increasing number of cases of Covid-19 in Malaysia, we will attempt to investigate the links.
Traditionally, when we speak about strokes, we tend think of it as an “elderly person” disease, a health concern prevalent among those aged 50 and above.
However, over the past three years, since the Covid-19 pandemic started, an intriguing and worrying connection has emerged between the virus and incidences of strokes in younger individuals.
Covid-19 is indeed associated with a higher risk of stroke, the majority of which being ischemic strokes (caused by a blockage in an artery that supplies blood to the brain).
A study by PubMed Central, a database at the National Institutes of Health, does suggest a connection between the high prevalence of vascular risk factors and concurrent elevation of proinflammatory and procoagulation biomarkers in this.
In the same study, it has been proposed that the virus that causes Covid-19 infects the cells that line the inside of the blood vessels, and these infected cells release several pro-inflammatory factors that attract other immune cells to the affected area.
In turn, this leads to damage to the lining cells, activating platelets and other factors involved in clotting. This chain of events eventually increases the risk of a blood clot that could potentially travel up to the brain and cause a stroke.
In essence, hypercoagulability and inflammatory response cause vascular complications, increasing the risk of strokes, regardless of age.
Findings from another large-scale study conducted by the British Medical Journal suggested that Covid-19 is a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and bleeding. The risk of developing blood clots in the lungs and legs is significantly elevated for up to six months upon contracting Covid-19.
Data collected from the United States’ Department of Veteran Affairs, which consisted of 153,760 individuals who contracted Covid-19, suggests that after the initial 30 days of infection, individuals afflicted with Covid-19 displayed heightened susceptibilities and endured a year-long burden of newly emerging cardiovascular conditions.
These encompasses a spectrum of disorders, ranging from cerebrovascular issues and dysrhythmias to inflammatory heart disease, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, thromboembolic disease, and assorted cardiac disorders.
Strikingly, these risks manifested consistently across various demographic factors, such as age, race, and gender, as well as other established cardiovascular risk factors like obesity, hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and hyperlipidemia.
Notably, even those without any pre-existing cardiovascular conditions prior to exposure to Covid-19 exhibited these risks, suggesting a propensity for these complications to manifest in individuals traditionally considered at low risk for cardiovascular diseases.
In summary, data and evidence gathered do point to a heightened risk of stroke brought about by Covid-19, regardless of age. Even though it remains an uncommon occurrence, it remains a risk especially for individuals pre-existing health conditions that are known to boost the risk of stroke.
Young individuals who have pre-existing health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or obesity face an elevated risk of experiencing severe complications from Covid-19, including the potential for strokes.
Effectively managing these underlying health conditions emerges as a critical measure in preventing adverse outcomes and improving the overall prognosis for those affected by the virus.
Prioritising the control and treatment of these existing health issues not only supports overall wellbeing, but also plays a pivotal role in mitigating the severity of Covid-19-related complications.
Maintaining vigilance and monitoring for symptoms associated with stroke, such as sudden weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, or severe headache, is crucial for early detection and intervention. Seeking prompt medical attention can significantly improve outcomes in case of a stroke.
While the correlation between incidences of stroke, Covid-19 and how it affects younger individuals remains a subject of ongoing research and study, it remains crucial in recognising the potential risks and taking appropriate and proactive measures.
Additionally, staying informed through reputable health sources, taking care of one’s diet and lifestyle, and consulting with medical professionals will lower the risk of stroke.
Dr Joyce Pauline Joseph is a consultant neurologist at Aurelius Hospital Nilai.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
