Grant: Op Grant: Emerging COVID-19 Research Gaps & Priorities - Post COVID-19 condition

During acute infection, COVID-19 affects the respiratory system. However, COVID-19 could damage blood vessels directly and indirectly, pushing people towards a process called premature vascular aging. This process may occur long after the recovery from the infection. Premature vascular aging is worrisome as it usually leads to increased risk of heart, brain and kidney diseases. As part of an international study, we aim to examine if and to what extent, COVID-19 affects blood vessels, and to identify the potential mechanisms involved. We request the support of the CIHR for the participation of the Canadian population in this international fight against the long-term health consequences of COVID-19. While examining the impact of COVID-19 on vascular aging, through our interdisciplinary team of investigators, we will also examine the contribution of various possible mechanisms through which COVID-19 could impact vascular aging. Therefore, we will also study kidney function, clot formation, and anomalies in sugar and fat metabolism that may affect vascular aging. Our research is important and there is an urgency for supporting this study as COVID-19 survivors could be at a higher risk of cardiometabolic complications. The CARTESIAN study is designed to identify and quantify such risk, giving us the opportunity to propose timely preventive measures to reduce the chronic burden of COVID-19, which will be important even once the pandemic is under control.