A new study suggests Covid can prematurely age blood vessels by about five years, especially in women, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Vaccinated individuals show less arterial stiffening, highlighting the importance of vaccination for vascular health post-infection.
Research shows that COVID-19 infection can accelerate blood vessel aging by about five years, especially in women and those with long COVID symptoms, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease; vaccination appears to mitigate this effect.
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago have identified the protein Nucleoporin93 (Nup93) as crucial for maintaining endothelial cell health and preventing vascular aging. The study, published in the journal Aging, suggests that restoring Nup93 levels can reverse damage in blood vessels, offering potential new therapies for cardiovascular diseases. The research highlights the role of Nup93 in regulating molecular exchanges within cells and preventing harmful protein build-ups, which could lead to innovative treatments for age-related vascular conditions.