COVID-19 has been linked to cardiac complications and greater risks for those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, little is known about how these risks vary across ethnicities.
Dr Marta Pineda-Moncusi, lead researcher of a new study published in Nature Communications explained: ‘In the UK, COVID-19 mortality rates have been higher among Asian, Black, and Mixed ethnic groups compared to the White population, highlighting significant public health concerns. However, although COVID-19 has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular complications, the variations in these outcomes across ethnicities remain unclear.’
The research analysed health data on over 5 million individuals in England and 450,000 in Wales who had a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis between January 2020 and April 2022. The team was investigating the risk of severe outcomes of COVID-19 including mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) among patients from different ethnic backgrounds.
In line with previous findings reported by the UK Office of National Statistics, the study found that most non-White ethnic groups in England and Wales, particularly the Bangladeshi and Pakistani populations, faced significantly higher COVID-19 mortality rates compared to White British individuals. For example, Bangladeshi men showed a 120% increased risk of mortality during certain periods.
Explored for the first time, the researchers showed that non-White groups also had a higher risk of developing CVD within 30 days of a COVID-19 diagnosis. Notably, Pakistani and Bangladeshi individuals consistently exhibited higher CVD incidence rates throughout the study period.