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Not allowing yourself to be peer-pressured into downloading those tiresome dating apps may be the first best precaution you can take to protect your heart. Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 may well be the second, it turns out. A new international study examining the effects of vaccines on millions of patients in the UK, Spain and Estonia found that being vaccinated may be the trick to a healthier heart. In the first month after infection, the researchers found that the risk of <keyword id="25186" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="blood-clotting" source="Orion">blood clotting</keyword> plummeted by a whopping 78% in the limbic veins and 47% in the arteries of the vaccinated individuals. Avoiding these complications helped more than halve the <keyword id="32031" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heart-failure" source="Orion">heart failure</keyword> risk among vaxxers compared to the non-vaccinated. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What does blood clotting have to do with COVID?" comment="subhead" text="What does blood clotting have to do with COVID?">What does blood clotting have to do with COVID?</cmsannotation> Unfortunately, just having blood inside your body isn’t enough to help you survive; the stuff needs to constantly move and slosh through your blood vessels, transporting and depositing oxygen and other nutrients around like silt on a river edge. However, certain conditions — such as diabetes and obesity — can cause some of your blood to abnormally coagulate, forming giant blockages that prevent your veins and arteries from moving blood around efficiently. This places an extra burden on your heart, which can lead it to fail. Research has shown that COVID-19 infections have the capability to cause unusual blood clots in multiple parts of the body, including the lungs and the legs. This can lead to organ failures, <keyword id="6357661" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heart-attack" source="Orion">heart attack</keyword> and <keyword id="25191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="stroke" source="Orion">stroke</keyword>. Fortunately, simply taking a wee bit of time off to get yourself jabbed by the <keyword id="24209" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vaccine" source="Orion">vaccine</keyword> helps tremendously, it turns out. It wasn’t just heart failure and stroke; being vaccinated also reduced the risk of developing other heart-related diseases. This included scary conditions such as heart attacks and ventricular arrhythmia (an abnormal heartbeat), although this shield only persisted for the first 30 days after the infection. Despite not being at peak efficacy, the vaccine’s protection was potent enough to slash risk of heart failure by nearly 50% for up to a year after vaccination, the study found. This showed that even as the protective halo of the vaccine waned over time, it still continued to pack a punch. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Will this squash the vaccine side-effect debate?" comment="subhead" text="Will this squash the vaccine side-effect debate?">Will this squash the vaccine side-effect debate?</cmsannotation> There has been a second-wave of reluctance to take the COVID-19 vaccine, majorly due to concerns of long-term complications that can arise from them. The important thing to note is that while the vaccine can lead to heart issues in some people, it only takes place in extremely rare circumstances. Conversely, one study even showed that vaccination reduced the risk of long-COVID by a massive 67%. The researchers thus hope that these positive heart-related findings will help clear any vaccination hesitations among sceptics. However, more studies need to be conducted to conclusively understand the protection offered by booster doses in different populations. "Our findings probably reflect the fact that the vaccines are effective in reducing infection, and minimise the risk of severe COVID-19," explains study author Núria Mercadé-Besora. "These results could encourage COVID-19 vaccination among hesitant people who are worried about the potential risk of vaccine side effects." The findings of this study have been published in Heart and can be accessed <a href="https://heart.bmj.com/content/early/2024/01/24/heartjnl-2023-323483" data-type="tilCustomLink">here</a>.

COVID-19 vaccine can slash risk of post-infection heart failure by half, study finds

The Indian Council of Medical Research Director General Dr Rajiv Bahl on Monday criticised a recently published study on the long-term safety analysis of the <keyword id="9485939" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="covaxin" source="Orion">Covaxin</keyword> in adults and adolescents for its poor methodology and design, and clarified the article misleadingly and erroneously "acknowledges" <keyword id="19918794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ICMR" source="keywords">ICMR</keyword>. Dr Bahl said the study had no control arm of unvaccinated individuals for comparing the rates of events between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Hence, the reported events in the study cannot be linked or attributed to COVID-19 vaccination. He added that the ICMR is not associated with the study and has not provided any financial or technical support for the research. The ICMR DG has written a letter to the authors of the paper and Editor of the journal to immediately remove the acknowledgement to ICMR and publish an erratum. A research paper, titled 'Long-Term Safety Analysis of the BBVl52 <keyword id="21730391" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus-vaccine" source="keywords">Coronavirus Vaccine</keyword> in Adolescents and Adults: Findings from a l-Year Prospective Study in North India' stated that nearly one-third of the 926 participants in the study who received Bharat Biotech's anti-Covid vaccine Covaxin reported 'adverse events of special interest,' or AESI. Dr Bahl said that ICMR was acknowledged for research support without any prior approval of or intimation to ICMR, which is inappropriate and unacceptable. He stated that ICMR cannot be associated with this poorly designed study which purports to present a "safety analysis" of Covaxin due to several critical flaws. He said the study does not even provide background rates of observed events in the population, making it impossible to assess the change in incidence of observed events in the post-vaccination period. Baseline information of study participants is missing. The study tool used is inconsistent with 'Adverse Events of Special Interest (AESI)' as defined in the reference provided in the paper for AESI. The method of data collection has a high risk of bias, he said. Study participants were contacted telephonically one year after vaccination and their responses were recorded without any confirmation with clinical records or by physician examination, he pointed out. Dr Bahl also noted that similar acknowledgements to ICMR have been made in previous papers without permission, raising concerns about the authors' practices. "The authors have been urged to immediately rectify the acknowledgment to ICMR and publish an erratum. Additionally, they are asked to address the methodological concerns raised. Failure to do so may prompt ICMR to consider legal and administrative action," he said. The Editor has been asked to retract the paper which implicitly makes conclusions on <keyword id="21495684" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vaccine-safety" source="keywords">vaccine safety</keyword> which are not supported by evidence. The study, conducted by researchers from the Banaras Hindu University from January 2022 to August 2023, stated that nearly 50 per cent of 926 study participants in the study complained of infections during the follow-up period, predominated by viral upper respiratory tract infections. Serious AESI, which included stroke and Guillain-Barre syndrome, were reported in one per cent of individuals, the study, which looked at long-term safety of the BBV152 (Covaxin) vaccine in adolescents and adults, claimed. The study involved 635 adolescents and 291 adults, who received the BBV152 vaccine.

BHU study on Covaxin side effects poorly designed, critically flawed: ICMR Director General

New York, Scientists have found that SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind Covid-19, triggers a dangerous immune response in hardened fatty deposits (plaques) lining the heart's largest blood vessels, leading to the risk of heart attack, stroke. Experts have long observed that the <keyword id="8868539" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid-19-coronavirus" source="Orion">Covid-19 coronavirus</keyword> increases the likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke for up to a year after infection, particularly for those who already have underlying heart conditions. However, the specific mechanisms that account for these risks had until now remained unclear. Researchers at New York University's (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine in the US explored how the coronavirus behaves in those with atherosclerosis -- a disease in which plaque collects in major arteries and prompts chronic inflammation. For the study, published online in the journal <keyword id="17676926" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="nature-cardiovascular-research" source="Orion">Nature Cardiovascular Research</keyword>, the team detected the virus within the arteries of eight men and women with a history of atherosclerosis who had died of Covid-19. Besides colonising arterial heart tissue itself, the coronavirus was also spotted inside local immune cells called macrophages, which normally protect the heart by "swallowing" and disposing of excess fat molecules in arteries. The experiments further showed that in response to the infection, the macrophages release inflammatory signalling proteins called cytokines that promote a chronic immune response. Notably, the researchers said, two of the identified cytokines, interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6, have already been linked to heart attacks. "Our findings provide for the first time a direct mechanistic link between Covid-19 infection and the heart complications it provokes," said lead author Natalia Eberhardt, Postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Medicine at <keyword id="7092848" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="nyu-langone-health" source="Orion">NYU Langone Health</keyword>. "The virus creates a highly inflammatory environment that could make it easier for plaque to grow, rupture, and block blood flow to the heart, brain, and other key organs." For the analysis, the research team collected 27 artery tissue samples from autopsies of patients who had died of severe Covid-19 between May 2020 and May 2021. All had been previously diagnosed with heart disease. They team trained an artificial intelligence (AI) computer programme to measure coronavirus levels in plaque cells. It was able to count thousands of viral features on a cell-by-cell basis. The team also examined samples of plaque-covered tissue collected from patients who had received surgery to remove the fatty buildup from their arteries. Using a new technique that allowed them to study coronavirus infection of live tissue in the lab, the researchers showed that exposing plaque to the virus boosts inflammation levels in blood vessels. Together the experimental findings revealed that macrophages rich in engulfed fat were invaded more frequently and for longer periods than those containing less fat. According to the researchers, this suggests that the coronavirus flourishes more easily in people who already have large amounts of plaque buildup in their arteries, explaining in part why those with atherosclerosis are more vulnerable to Covid-19. The research team next plans to more closely explore this potential link between the coronavirus's behaviour during atherosclerosis and long Covid, which includes heart palpitations, chest pain, and fatigue, among other issues.

Explained: How Covid-19 heightens risk of heart attack, stroke

Ever since the virus reared its ugly head and briefly sent the world into despair, the coronavirus has remained a staple, albeit almost sidelined, part of the news cycle. Despite this, the topic has come to the forefront of controversy once again, with an extremely popular <keyword id="20040659" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="COVID-19-vaccine" source="keywords">COVID-19 vaccine</keyword> now under scrutiny. Considering that the world is still healing from the scars left behind by the coronavirus tragedy, it is imperative that we gauge the situation to avoid any unwarranted public paranoia. Let’s look at the facts behind the ongoing <keyword id="19910149" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AstraZeneca" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="AstraZeneca" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="AstraZeneca">AstraZeneca</keyword> (or <keyword id="19960109" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="covishield" source="keywords">Covishield</keyword>, as it is known in India) vaccine controversy, and determine if there really is a cause for worry. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What happened?" comment="subhead" text="What happened?">What happened?</cmsannotation> Shortly after receiving the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in 2021, UK-based <keyword id="21472612" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jamie-scott" source="keywords">Jamie Scott</keyword> experienced a harrowing ordeal. He developed a brain clot and severe bleeding, resulting in permanent brain injury. This condition, known as <keyword id="21475609" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Thrombosis-with-Thrombocytopenia-Syndrome" source="keywords">Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome</keyword> (<keyword id="20218859" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tts" source="keywords">TTS</keyword>), can lead to dangerously low blood clot and platelet levels, posing a grave risk to those affected. Jamie's struggles with memory loss, impaired vision, and diminished cognitive abilities compelled him to seek legal recourse against the pharmaceutical company in 2023. Jamie's legal representative contends that AstraZeneca minimized the potential risks linked to their vaccines. Moreover, reports indicate that over 50 vaccinated individuals experienced similar adverse conditions, with numerous cases resulting in fatalities or severe injuries. Despite these assertions, the pharmaceutical company refutes the allegations, stating that they do not acknowledge a causal relationship between the vaccine and Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) on a generic level. However, a year of court wrangling later, legal documents submitted by AstraZeneca have now admitted that their vaccine can cause TTS in very rare cases, although the causal mechanism is still not well known. This revelation has led to renewed uproar against the vaccine’s side-effects. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Is there cause for worry?" comment="subhead" text="Is there cause for worry?">Is there cause for worry?</cmsannotation> In short words, not really. Links between the <keyword id="21483117" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AstraZeneca-vaccine" source="keywords">AstraZeneca vaccine</keyword> and vaccine-induced immune TTS have been scientifically identified since early 2021, soon after the first COVID-19 vaccines had come out. However, it is so very rare — a few dozen reported cases among the millions administered — that even the World Health Organisation has deemed the vaccine “safe and effective” for all individuals aged 18 and above. Moreover, even influenza, H1N1 and rabies vaccines can cause TTS in very rare instances. Further, it is important to note that an infection with COVID-19 is itself a major cause for clot, heart attacks and strokes. Being vaccinated actually lowers these risks. There is also the fact that all vaccines or drugs carry potential side-effects, and these medical interventions are only cleared for release after determining that their benefits vastly outweigh any complications. Finally, the <keyword id="21483118" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="TTS-side-effects" source="keywords">TTS side-effects</keyword> — which include symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, leg swelling or tiny blood spots under the skin — manifest between 1-6 weeks of vaccination. Considering that most Indians received their Covishield jab a couple of years ago, there should be no reason to panic now. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Is it time to consider alternate vaccines?" comment="subhead" text="Is it time to consider alternate vaccines?">Is it time to consider alternate vaccines?</cmsannotation> There is no particular hard evidence that suggests the supremacy of one vaccine over another, considering that they all carry varying degrees of side-effects. That being said, <keyword id="9485939" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="covaxin" source="Orion">Covaxin</keyword> boasts a higher efficacy than Covishield, and has better research data among Indian subjects. However, it may also be important to know that the administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine has been discontinued in many countries, mainly due the aforementioned risk of blood clotting in certain age groups. Whatever the choice, the fact of the matter remains that these vaccines have saved millions since their introduction, and it is pertinent that we continue taking them diligently, unless any premier health authorities recommend otherwise.

Should you be worried about the potential side-effects of the Covishield vaccine?

Data from the <keyword id="19896311" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-health-organization" source="keywords">World Health Organization</keyword> (WHO) indicates that more than 80% of <keyword id="19897423" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="COVID-19" source="keywords">COVID-19</keyword>-related deaths between 2020 and 2021 occurred in people aged 60 and above. Subsequent studies consistently highlighted the increased vulnerability of those over 65 to severe COVID-19 symptoms, and now researchers may have uncovered the reason behind this trend. To comprehend how the corona<keyword id="19994619" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="virus" source="keywords">virus</keyword> attacks our bodies, a study investigated the role of our noses, which are the initial point of contact with the virus. Researchers aimed to understand how nasal cells react to the <keyword id="20249557" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="SARS-CoV-2" source="keywords">SARS-CoV-2</keyword> virus, hoping to uncover insights for tailored treatment approaches for different age demographics. The study focused on the early impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on human nasal epithelial cells (NECs). Epithelial cells, abundant throughout our bodies, play crucial roles in bodily functions and protection. Researchers cultured NECs to replicate the nasal cavity's cellular environment and infected them with SARS-CoV-2. Analysing cells from participants across various age brackets, including children (0-11 years), adults (30-50 years), and the <keyword id="19948381" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="elderly" source="keywords">elderly</keyword> (over 70 years), the study identified age-specific responses to the virus. Children's NECs quickly increased interferon production upon SARS-CoV-2 exposure, effectively limiting viral replication. In contrast, NECs from older individuals exhibited increased viral replication, accompanied by heightened cell shedding and damage. This disparity may explain why <keyword id="21324937" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="older-people" source="keywords">older people</keyword> face a higher risk of severe COVID-19, despite widespread vaccination efforts. Lead author Claire Smith explains, "Our research highlights age-related changes in nasal cells and their impact on our ability to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection. This insight is crucial for developing targeted antiviral treatments, especially for older adults who are at greater risk of severe COVID-19." Understanding age-specific differences in nasal cell response to SARS-CoV-2 could lead to targeted antiviral therapies that boost interferon production in older adults, potentially reducing the severity of COVID-19 and lowering mortality rates in this demographic. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of considering age as a significant factor in researching and treating infectious diseases. Beyond COVID-19, future studies should explore how <keyword id="19900302" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ageing" source="keywords">ageing</keyword> affects the body's response to other viral infections, informing preventive measures and therapeutic interventions across different age groups. The research findings have been published in Nature Microbiology and can be accessed <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41564-024-01658-1" data-type="tilCustomLink">here</a>.

The ageing of nasal tissues may explain why older people are more affected by COVID-19: research

Amidst the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining a robust immune system is crucial. <keyword id="19940507" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lemon-ginger-kadha" source="Orion">Lemon Ginger Kadha</keyword>, a traditional herbal concoction, has gained attention for its potential immune-boosting properties in the fight against the virus. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Lemon Ginger Kadha: A Natural Immune Booster:" comment="subhead" text="Lemon Ginger Kadha: A Natural Immune Booster:"><keyword id="13463271" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lemon-ginger" source="Orion">Lemon Ginger</keyword> Kadha: A Natural Immune Booster:</cmsannotation> Lemon Ginger Kadha, a blend of ginger, lemon, and various spices, has been used for generations in traditional medicine for its health benefits. Here’s why it's gaining traction as a potent immunity booster against COVID-19: 1. Rich in Vitamin C: Lemon, a primary ingredient, is rich in Vitamin C, known for its immune-boosting properties. It helps strengthen the body's defense mechanism against infections, including the coronavirus. 2. Anti-inflammatory Ginger: Ginger contains bioactive compounds with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It may help reduce inflammation and support overall immune function. 3. Antioxidant Properties: Both lemon and ginger are loaded with antioxidants that combat free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of infections and supporting a healthier immune response. 4. Respiratory Benefits: Ginger has been traditionally used to alleviate respiratory issues, making Lemon Ginger Kadha potentially beneficial for easing symptoms associated with respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="How to Prepare Lemon Ginger Kadha:" comment="subhead" text="How to Prepare Lemon Ginger Kadha:">How to Prepare Lemon Ginger Kadha:</cmsannotation> Creating this immunity-boosting concoction is simple: Ingredients: Freshly grated ginger Freshly squeezed lemon juice Water Optional: honey, tulsi (holy basil), cinnamon, or other spices for added benefits and flavor Method: Boil water and add grated ginger. Let it simmer for a few minutes. Add lemon juice and any optional ingredients. Strain and sip the warm Lemon Ginger Kadha. Consuming Lemon Ginger Kadha: It's advisable to consume this concoction on an empty stomach in the morning or at bedtime for maximum benefits. Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and preferences while keeping the essence of ginger and lemon intact. While Lemon Ginger Kadha is considered a natural immunity booster, it's essential to remember that it isn't a cure or preventive measure against COVID-19. It can, however, complement a healthy lifestyle and potentially strengthen the body's defenses against infections. Incorporating Lemon Ginger Kadha into your daily routine can be a delightful and potentially beneficial addition to support your immune system amid the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As always, consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment.

You Searched For "covid 19 coronavirus" and got 6 results

COVID-19 vaccine can slash risk of post-infection heart failure by half, study finds

Ankush Banerjee

BHU study on Covaxin side effects poorly designed, critically flawed: ICMR Director General

PTI

Explained: How Covid-19 heightens risk of heart attack, stroke

IANS

Should you be worried about the potential side-effects of the Covishield vaccine?

Ankush Banerjee

The ageing of nasal tissues may explain why older people are more affected by COVID-19: research

Ankush Banerjee

Lemon ginger kadha: A potent immunity booster in the fight against COVID-19

Ayush Mehrotra

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