Articles: Doctors fear new COVID strain could trigger 'heart failure pandemic' across the globe

Source: msn.com

Story by: Daniel Smith

Covid-19 could trigger a 'heart failure pandemic', experts have warned, calling it a 'global healthcare risk'. The rise in Covid cases, especially due to the new strain known as JN.1, could lead to potential heart issues.

Scientists from Japan's top research institute, Riken, have issued a new report. They say the ACE2 receptors, which the coronavirus clings to within human cells, are 'very common' in the heart. This means many people who catch the virus may suffer from 'reduced cardiac function'.

The reason for this is still not clear. However, the report suggests the Covid pandemic might have changed things significantly. It warns those at risk of future heart failure due to 'persistent infection of SARS-CoV-2 (Covis-19) is expected to exponentially increase'.

The report states: "Even though conclusive clinical evidence that persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with declined cardiac function has not been reported so far, the proof-of-concep…