NIH Study Links Early COVID-19 Infection to Long-Term Heart Risks (Unvaccinated Participants)

This NIH-funded study investigated the long-term cardiovascular effects of COVID-19 in unvaccinated individuals infected during the pandemic’s first wave (original virus strain).

Key Findings:

• Unvaccinated individuals with COVID-19 had double the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death compared to those without COVID-19.
• This risk was even higher (4 times) for those who experienced severe COVID-19 requiring hospitalization.
• The elevated risk persisted for up to three years after the initial infection.
• The study suggests a possible genetic link between blood type and severe COVID-19 complications. Patients with A, B, or AB blood types had a higher risk of heart attack or stroke after hospitalization for COVID-19 compared to those with type O blood.

Limitations:

• The study only included participants from the UK Biobank (mostly white population).
• It’s unclear if these findings apply to those infected later in the pandemic or vaccinated individuals.
• The mechanism behind the blood type and COVID-19 severity link needs further investigation.

Overall, this study highlights the potential long-term cardiovascular consequences of early COVID-19 infection and suggests the need for further research on the impact of vaccination and blood type.

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Consumer Demand for Virtual Care Remains High

Despite a slight increase in virtual health visits from 2022 to 2024, consumer willingness to use virtual care has grown significantly. A large majority of consumers (94%) are open to having another virtual visit, and many are even willing to switch doctors if virtual options aren’t available.

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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released an interim final rule that discontinues the low wage index hospital policy for FY 2025. This policy was implemented in 2020 to increase reimbursement rates for hospitals with low wage indexes. However, the policy was challenged in court and ultimately found to be unlawful.

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AI-powered remote patient monitoring tools like symptom checkers, assessments, and digital self-triage are promising advancements in healthcare. These tools can improve patient experiences, streamline healthcare processes, reduce disparities in care, and enhance health outcomes by providing personalized and accurate care recommendations.

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