A COVID-19 infection can lead to clogged arteries which in turn increase chances of heart attacks in some patients, a new study suggests. 

The infection is associated with rapid growth of plaque in arteries — also known as coronary arteries — that are integral for blood pumping and flow to the heart muscle, researchers said in a new study published in Radiology, a journal. 

Patients of COVID are more likely to suffer with these plaque that lead to heart attacks or procedure to reopen the artery and allow blood to follow again, as per UPI. 

Researchers also believe that the inflammation that comes with the infectious respiratory disease is likely the reason behind the growth of arterial plaque.

“Inflammation following COVID-19 can lead to ongoing plaque growth, particularly high-risk, noncalcified plaques,” said the director of cardiology at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and senior researcher, Dr Junbo Ge.

“It’s crucial to anticipate a heavier cardiovascular patient burden in the future as most infected individuals recover from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection,” Ge added.

“Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are at increased risk for myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome and stroke for up to a year,” Ge said.