Although many severe outcomes associated with COVID-19 have lessened with each successive wave, a recent study reveals that there is a persistent increased risk for cardiovascular hospitalization, especially among younger men between the ages of 18 and 65.
This retrospective cohort study utilized Ontario administrative health databases to analyze data from adults who had at least one positive laboratory test for SARS-CoV-2. The study demonstrated that through each wave, men were at higher risk of severe outcomes than women across all age groups, even after increased availability of vaccinations and COVID-19 therapies, and changes to the dominant variant strain. Even with improvements to the management of COVID-19 and death over time, cardiovascular morbidity rates remained high, and could lead to ongoing risks for men in the future. The authors of this study highlight that a sex- and age-informed outlook has enhanced patient care in other areas, and it is therefore critical to consider this type of personalized approach in the early decision-making process of COVID-19 patient care.
This study was conducted by the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (University Health Network), ICES, and Women’s College Hospital. The co-authors included the CVC’s Drs. Finlay McAlister, Padma Kaul, Sean van Diepen, Shaun Goodman, Justin Ezekowitz, and Kevin Bainey.
