Archive · 13 Jun 2025
Severe COVID-19 in Kids Linked to Heart Disease Risks
Scientists looked at blood samples from kids who had serious cases of COVID-19 and found some surprising things.
They noticed changes in how kids' bodies process fats, which could affect their hearts.
These changes were similar to those seen in adults with severe COVID.
Kids with a more serious illness, called MIS-C, showed even bigger changes.
This means that even though kids usually don't get very sick with COVID-19, their bodies might still be affected in ways that could lead to heart problems later on.
Researchers now want to study these effects further.
Study suggests severe COVID-19 in children may increase heart disease risk.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from 147 children with COVID-19.
Metabolic disruptions affecting fat processing were found in affected children.
MIS-C patients showed more severe metabolic changes, mirroring some COVID-19 patterns.
Experts emphasize the need for further research on long-term effects in children.
- Who
- Scientists analyzed blood samples from 147 children.
- What
- Study indicates increased risk of heart disease in children with severe COVID-19.
- When
- Findings were recently published in the Journal of Proteome Research.
- Where
- Study involved children globally, conducted by researchers at Harvard University (US) and Murdoch University (Australia).
- Why
- To assess the health risks beyond the acute respiratory effects of COVID-19 in children.
Current Assumption
New Research
Impact on Children
Current Assumption
Children are largely unaffected by COVID-19 based on the relatively mild respiratory effects
New Research
Children may experience longer-term effects of COVID-19
- Study Focus
- Metabolic disruptions in children with severe COVID-19.
- Sample Size
- 147 children
- Key Findings
- Metabolic shifts related to cardiovascular disease risk markers.
- Research Publication
- Journal of Proteome Research
- Main issue
- Risk of heart issues