Even a mild infection with COVID-19 can promote clogged arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack in some people, a new study says.

Plaques grew more rapidly in COVID patients, increasing by 0.9% a year compared with 0.6% a year among the uninfected, results show. COVID patients were also more likely to have high-risk plaques, 21% versus 16%, and heart-related inflammation, 27% versus 20%, researchers found.

A new study linked COVID-19 with the rapid growth of plaque in the coronary arteries. This plaque is a high-risk type prone to breaking away from artery walls, increasing the likelihood of heart attack and stroke.

Doctors have found that Covid-19's inflammation can cause long-term cardiovascular issues, such as accelerated plaque buildup in coronary arteries. This increases the risk of heart attack and stroke even after recovery from the virus.

COVID-19 accelerates the progression of atherosclerotic plaques, increasing coronary inflammation and the risk of high-risk plaques, even in non-hospitalized individuals.