THE Covid-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered the physiological landscape of individuals around the globe. Beyond the oft-quoted and widely recognized 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 has brought about unprecedented impacts on human health in various ways.
But what are the correlations, if any, between Covid and an increase in stroke incidents, especially among the young? In light of the increasing number of Covid cases in Malaysia, let us investigate the links.
Traditionally, when we speak about strokes, it tends to be an “elderly persons” disease, a health concern prevalent among those aged 50 and above.
However, over the past three years since the first outbreak of Covid-19, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, an intriguing and worrying connection has emerged between the virus and incidents of stroke in younger individuals.
Covid is associated with a higher risk of stroke, a majority of them being ischemic strokes (caused by a blockage in an artery that supplies blood to the brain).
A study by a highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health, PubMed Central, suggested a connection between the high prevalence of vascular risk factors and concurrent elevation of proinflammatory and procoagulation biomarkers in this.
It also indicated that the virus that causes Covid-19 infects the cells that line the inside of blood vessels, and these infected cells release several pro-inflammatory factors that attract other immune cells to the affected area.
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 can 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 by the British Medical Journal , wholly owned by the British Medical Association, 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.
From data collected from the US Department of Veteran Affairs, which consisted of 153,760 individuals who contracted Covid-19, evidence suggested that after the initial 30 days of infection, individuals afflicted with Covid displayed heightened susceptibilities and endured a year-long burden of newly emerging cardiovascular conditions.
These encompassed a spectrum of disorders, ranging from cerebro-vascular 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 demo-graphic factors, such as age, race and gender, as well as other established cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and hyperlipidemia.
Notably, even those without any pre-existing cardiovascular conditions before 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 with pre-existing health conditions that are known to increase 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.
Prioritizing the control and treatment of these existing health issues supports overall well-being and 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 incidents of stroke, Covid-19 and how it affects younger individuals remains a subject of ongoing research and study, it is crucial to recognize the potential risks and take appropriate and proactive measures.
Additionally, staying informed through reputable health sources, taking care of one’s diet, and lifestyle habits and consulting with medical professionals will lower the risk of stroke.
The writer is a consultant neurologist at Aurelius Hospital in Nilai.
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