The Effect of Sex on the Risk of Long-COVID and Cardiovascular Complications in Healthy Patients Without Comorbidities: Data from a Polish Long-COVID Cardiovascular Study

The PoLoCOV-CVD study examined 886 healthy individuals (443 males and 443 females) one year after COVID-19 recovery to assess the impact of sex on long-COVID symptoms and cardiovascular complications. The findings revealed that females reported a higher frequency of long-COVID symptoms, including hair loss (5.4% vs. 0.7%), memory and concentration disturbances, and headaches, compared to males. Females also exhibited lower mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure, higher heart rates, and more arrhythmias, while males showed more ECG abnormalities. The study underscores significant sex differences in long-COVID impacts, indicating that females are at a higher risk for persistent symptoms.