• Long COVID patients may exhibit persistent heart and lung inflammation for up to a year after initial infection, even with normal standard tests, as shown in a Mount Sinai study using PET/MRI scans.
• The study identified vascular inflammation as the most common abnormality in long COVID patients with persistent cardiopulmonary symptoms, potentially leading to premature coronary artery disease and pulmonary hypertension.
• Researchers identified an array of soluble biomarkers in plasma proteome linking breathlessness with apoptotic inflammatory networks suggesting potential diagnostic and treatment avenues.

A study by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai reveals that individuals with long COVID may experience persistent inflammation in their heart and lungs for up to a year following the initial COVID-19 infection, even when conventional medical tests show normal results. The research, published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine, suggests that this inflammation may elevate the risk of future cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions. The study highlights the importance of recognizing SARS-CoV-2 as a potential long-term cardiovascular risk factor.

• What: A study using PET/MRI scans found persistent inflammation in the heart and lungs of long COVID patients, potentially leading to future cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions. Another study identified soluble biomarkers linking breathlessness with apoptotic inflammatory networks.
• Who: Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai conducted the initial study. Participants included 99 patients with persistent cardiopulmonary symptoms 9-12 months post-COVID-19 infection and a control group of 9 individuals. Another study included geographically independent cohorts from Sweden and the United Kingdom
• When: The initial Mount Sinai study included patients infected between December 2020 and July 2021, with imaging done approximately 300 days post-infection. The Mount Sinai findings were published April 30, 2025. Participants in primary cohort were recruited between March and August 2022, and participants in the secondary cohort between June and October 2022
• Where: The initial study was conducted at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. The other study included geographically independent cohorts from Sweden and the United Kingdom.

The Mount Sinai study provides objective evidence of long-term cardiovascular risks associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting that molecular imaging should be integrated into post-COVID evaluation protocols. The identification of specific inflammatory patterns and biomarkers offers potential targets for early detection and prevention of future cardiopulmonary events. The findings from the Swedish and UK cohorts highlight that healthy convalescent individuals were better able to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 than individuals with long COVID

"This study brings us closer to understanding how SARS-CoV-2 affects the heart and lungs over time. We believe long COVID results in an inflammatory response that may predispose patients to premature coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, and valvular damage such as stenosis or regurgitation."

"This study highlights the unique power of hybrid PET/MRI imaging to uncover hidden disease processes in long COVID patients. These findings should change how we approach care and surveillance—not only recognizing SARS-CoV-2 as a potential long-term cardiovascular risk factor, but also integrating molecular imaging into post-COVID evaluation protocols. We now have objective evidence that can guide earlier detection and potentially prevent future cardiopulmonary events."

"Since 2020, we have been publishing work showing that even mild or asymptomatic COVID infections can have serious cardiovascular consequences, even in previously fit and healthy individuals. This paper provides more data to highlight that SARS-CoV-2 is a virus that profoundly affects vascular health and that every new infection can do damage. Infection prevention is crucial."

The studies collectively point to the potential long-term cardiovascular and pulmonary consequences of COVID-19, even after the acute phase of the infection has passed. The identification of persistent inflammation and specific biomarkers in long COVID patients underscores the need for continued research and monitoring to develop effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Recognizing SARS-CoV-2 as a long-term cardiovascular risk factor is crucial for improving patient care and preventing future cardiopulmonary events.