Reduced myocardial blood flow is new clue in how COVID-19 is impacting the heart MethodistHosp
, Houston Methodist researchers examined the coronary microvasculature health of 393 patients with prior COVID-19 infection who had lingering symptoms. This is the first published study linking reduced blood flow in the body and COVID-19.
Using a widely available imaging tool, called positron emission tomography , researchers found a 20% decrease in the ability of coronary arteries to dilate, a condition known as microvascular dysfunction. They also found that patients with prior COVID-19 infection were more likely to have reduced myocardial flow reserve—and changes in the resting and stress blood flow—which is a marker for poor prognosis and is associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
"We were surprised with the consistency of reduced blood flow in post COVID patients within the study," said corresponding author Mouaz Al-Mallah, M.D., director of cardiovascular PET at Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, and president elect of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology."The findings bring new questions, but also help guide us toward further studying blood flow in COVID-19 patients with persistent symptoms.