COVID-19 and the long-term cardio-respiratory and metabolic health complications

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) transmission continues to impact people globally. Whilst the acute symptoms and management strategies are well documented, millions of people globally are experiencing a prolonged and debilitating symptom profile that is reported to last months and even years. COVID-19 is a multi-system disease however the magnitude of the effects and its associated legacy is presently not well understood. Early reports indicate that multidisciplinary approaches between clinical and non clinical entities are needed to provide effective and rehabilitative patient support pathways and restore pre-COVID-19 quality of life and functional status. Accordingly, this review provides a summary of the impact on cardiovascular, inflammatory, respiratory, and musculoskeletal function following an acute COVID-19 infection along with the prolonged effects of long-COVID.

Long-Term Health Complications of COVID-19: Cardio-Respiratory and Metabolic Effects

This article discusses the long-term effects of COVID-19, also known as long-COVID, which affects about 57% of confirmed cases six months post-infection. The impact on cardiovascular, inflammatory, respiratory, and musculoskeletal function is summarized, along with the prolonged effects of long-COVID. The article emphasizes the need for longitudinal approaches to determine the prevalence and fluctuation of symptom exacerbation and the development of non-pharmacological and rehabilitative support pathways to restore pre-COVID-19 functional status. It also highlights the need for interdisciplinary approaches involving multiple agencies to support long-COVID patients.

The research highlights the importance of understanding the long-term effects of COVID-19, also known as long-COVID, which can last months and even years after initial infection. The impact of long-COVID on cardiovascular, inflammatory, respiratory, and musculoskeletal function is significant and affects a significant portion of those infected. This research emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches to support long-COVID patients and restore pre-COVID-19 quality of life and functional status.

Key Takeaways:

1. Long-COVID patients report persistent and debilitating symptoms that impact recovery, quality of life, and broader economic and social activities.

2. The prevalence of long-COVID is significant, affecting approximately 57% of confirmed cases in the 6 months post-infection.

3. Interdisciplinary approaches are needed to support long-COVID patients and restore pre-COVID-19 functional status.

4. Long-term effects on cardiovascular, inflammatory, respiratory, and musculoskeletal function are significant and need to be understood.