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World Heart Podcast

Episode 20: Long COVID and Cardiovascular Disease: What We Know Now

 

 

Long COVID and Cardiovascular Disease: What We Know Now

Release Date: 30 March 2026

Duration: 38:40

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Dr. Karen Sliwa

Director, Cape Heart Institute, University of Cape Town
Former President, World Heart Federation

Prof. Amitava Banerjee

Professor of Clinical Data Science, University College London
WHF Board Member and Former Emerging Leader

Hosts: Pablo Perel

Senior Science Advisor, World Heart Federation

Hosts: Raul Santos

Editor-in-Chief, Global Heart Journal

In this episode of the Global Heart Podcast, we explore the ongoing impact of COVID-19 through the lens of long COVID and its relationship with cardiovascular disease.

Although no longer dominating headlines, long COVID remains a significant global health challenge. Drawing on recent research and global studies, our expert guests unpack what long COVID is, who is most at risk, and why it continues to affect patients and health systems worldwide  .

Prof. Karen Sliwa shares insights from a large international study involving over 2,500 patients across 16 countries, highlighting the persistent burden of symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, anxiety, and reduced mobility—sometimes lasting up to a year after infection  .

Prof. Amitava Banerjee explains the broader implications of long COVID as part of post-viral syndromes and discusses emerging evidence on the role of vaccination in reducing both infection severity and long-term complications  .

Together, they discuss:

  • Why long COVID remains a major public health issue despite declining attention
  • The link between cardiovascular risk factors and more severe outcomes
  • Persistent symptoms and their impact on quality of life and recovery
  • The role of vaccination in preventing long COVID and improving recovery
  • Why integrated, multidisciplinary care is essential for managing long COVID
  • Key lessons from the pandemic for future preparedness and health systems

This episode is particularly relevant for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers, as well as anyone interested in understanding the long-term impact of COVID-19 on heart health.

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Key Takeaways

Long COVID Is Still a Global Health Challenge

Defined as symptoms lasting 12 weeks or more after infection, long COVID continues to affect patients’ daily lives, even as acute infection rates decline  .

Cardiovascular Risk Increases Vulnerability

People with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and prior heart disease are more likely to experience severe infection and long-term complications.

Symptoms Can Be Persistent and Disabling

Fatigue, breathlessness, anxiety, and reduced mobility can persist for months, significantly impacting quality of life and ability to return to work  .

Vaccination Plays a Protective Role

Evidence shows that vaccination reduces not only the severity of COVID-19 infection but also the risk and persistence of long COVID symptoms

Integrated Care Is Essential

Managing long COVID requires coordinated, multidisciplinary approaches that consider both cardiovascular health and broader post-viral effects.

Lessons for Future Pandemics

The experience of long COVID highlights the importance of preparedness, prevention, and resilient health systems—especially in low- and middle-income settings.

Resources & Further Reading

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  • Share this episode with colleagues, patients, and communities – raising awareness of long COVID can support earlier recognition, better care, and improved outcomes.

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