Heart Issues and Long COVID: When the Virus Won’t Let Go of the Heart
Updated with 2025 research by Lyn and Jacqueline
For some people, COVID-19 came and went like a bad flu. But for others, it left something behind — a lingering list of uncomfortable symptoms that just won’t quit. And it’s not just the everyday challenge of living with brain fog. People living with Long Covid struggle with heart-wrenching symptoms, which can range from chest heaviness to a sudden racing heart and even severe chest pain.
Doctors now call this cluster of lingering problems Long COVID. And while it can affect nearly every part of the body, the heart seems to take a particularly hard hit.
Even months or years after infection, some people find themselves short of breath, tired, or experiencing a racing heart for no clear reason. What’s worrying is that even people who had a “mild” case of COVID are reporting lasting heart symptoms.
According to an NCBI study, adults who had COVID-19 were significantly more likely to report cardiovascular symptoms and new disabilities nearly two years after infection. The result? Millions of people are living with lingering heart issues that can make everyday life difficult — and, for some, impossible to manage without support. You may wonder if you can qualify for SSDI with Long COVID symptoms.
Below is a clear look at the most common heart issues linked to Long COVID, how they affect daily life and work, and how the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates these conditions under its Blue Book cardiovascular listings.
5 Common Heart Issues Linked to Long COVID
1. Myocarditis and Pericarditis
Some Long COVID patients experience inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) or the tissue surrounding it (pericarditis). These conditions reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently and can cause chest pain, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath. In some cases, inflammation leaves behind scarring that weakens heart function over time, leading to cardiomyopathy or even heart failure.
While some patients recover with rest and treatment, in others, the damage persists, affecting stamina and physical activity for months or years.
2. Arrhythmias (Irregular Heart Rhythms)
An erratic heartbeat — pounding, racing, or skipping beats — is another common symptom among people with Long COVID. Some notice a racing heartbeat or strong palpitations after even mild activity. Others feel dizzy or faint when standing — a sign of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a type of autonomic dysfunction tied to Long COVID.
Researchers believe these irregular rhythms stem from inflammation or disruption of the nervous system’s control over the heart. For patients, these “flutters” come and go unpredictably, sometimes triggered by stress or physical activity. These symptoms can be exhausting, often forcing lifestyle and work adjustments.
3. Heart Failure, Attack, and Stroke (Reduced Cardiac Function)
In severe cases, Long COVID can weaken the heart so much that it struggles to meet the body’s demands. This condition, known as heart failure, may cause swelling in the legs, breathlessness, a heart attack, a stroke, and extreme fatigue. And people with pre-existing heart conditions are more vulnerable.
A study by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found higher rates of new cardiovascular disease among Long COVID survivors compared to those who were never infected. This underscores how deeply the virus can affect the body’s vascular and inflammatory systems — long after the fever and cough are gone.
For older adults and workers in their 40s to 60s, these symptoms can be disabling, drastically reducing independence and employability.
4. Blood Clots and Circulation Problems
COVID-19 is known to increase the risk of blood clots, and some people continue to experience circulation issues long after recovery. This may involve microclots or inflammation of the blood vessel linings (known as endothelial dysfunction).
When circulation is impaired, the heart must work harder to move blood through the body. The result can be chronic fatigue, chest discomfort, or serious complications like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism. Such issues can make daily life exhausting, as simple tasks become physically draining.
5. Myocardial Injury
Some people with Long COVID have signs of heart muscle damage — what doctors call myocardial injury. This can happen even if they were never hospitalized or seriously ill. It may manifest as chest discomfort, fatigue, or a feeling that even simple activities require excessive effort. In some cases, this damage may increase the risk of heart failure later on.
What Causes These Heart Problems in Long COVID?
Researchers think Long COVID heart issues may stem from a mix of factors, including:
Lingering inflammation in the heart and blood vessels
Immune system overreaction
Microclots affecting circulation
Disruption of the autonomic nervous system
It’s as if the body’s alarm system gets stuck in the “on” position. Instead of settling down after infection, it keeps sending distress signals, wearing the heart down over time.
A Simple Way to Picture It
Imagine the heart as a strong, efficient engine. COVID-19 doesn’t just use up the fuel — it can leave behind grit in the gears. Even after the car looks fixed on the outside, that leftover grit causes the engine to stutter or misfire. Long COVID is that leftover grit.
How the SSA Blue Book Looks at Long COVID Heart Problems
The Social Security Administration’s Blue Book lists the criteria used when evaluating disability claims. Heart and circulatory system conditions appear under Section 4.00: Cardiovascular System. For Long COVID–related heart issues, the most relevant adult listings include:
4.02 – Chronic Heart Failure
4.04 – Ischemic Heart Disease
4.05 – Recurrent Arrhythmias
According to the SSA’s publicly available guidance, these listings consider medical evidence such as imaging, stress tests, episodes of cardiac decompensation, and long-term symptom patterns. Even though Long COVID is not its own listing, heart-related complications may be evaluated under these established cardiovascular listings if the medical evidence shows the symptoms meet or equal the criteria.
This also aligns with SSA’s general policy that a specific diagnosis is not required — what matters is how documented symptoms affect functioning over time.
If you’d like to look up the SSA listings, you can visit our quick Blue Book lookup tool to help you quickly find a specific listing that will lead you to the SSA’s current listing description.
Are Any Long COVID Heart Problems Compassionate Allowances?
The SSA’s Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program speeds up decisions for certain conditions that clearly meet disability standards. Long COVID itself is not currently a Compassionate Allowance condition.
However, if Long COVID leads to a severe complication that is on the CAL list, such as:
Cardiac Amyloidosis – AL Type, or
Certain forms of advanced heart failure
then the individual’s claim may qualify for expedited CAL processing based on that specific diagnosis. CAL applies to the qualifying condition itself — not the Long COVID label.
Common Documentation for Long COVID–Related Heart Issues
Examples of medical documentation commonly seen in heart-related disability evaluations include:
Cardiologist treatment notes
Echocardiograms (ECHO)
EKGs and Holter monitor reports
Tilt-table testing for POTS
Stress tests
Emergency room visit records
Evidence of arrhythmias or abnormal heart rate variability
Records showing persistent inflammation or circulation problems
Imaging such as MRI, CT, or cardiac PET scans
These types of records are part of routine cardiovascular evaluation and may help describe how symptoms have evolved over time.
Document Long Covid Symptoms
Public SSA guidance emphasizes that evaluations consider how severe and persistent the symptoms are over time, not just one snapshot in a single medical visit. You might consider this when organizing your medical evidence if you have a Long Covid disability claim. You can also keep a journal of your symptoms and compare them to your medical records.
Recent Research: What Scientists Discovered in 2024–2025
Recent studies shed new light on Long COVID’s impact on the heart:
A 2025 Mount Sinai study found persistent inflammation in the heart muscle, valves, and blood vessels in more than half of Long COVID patients — even when basic tests were normal.
A 2025 JAMA report showed signs of coronary microvascular dysfunction, which can cause ongoing chest pain and reduced exercise capacity.
Large studies from 2024–2025 show increased rates of new or worsened high blood pressure, as well as ongoing elevated risks of heart attack and stroke for months to years after infection.
These findings support what patients have been reporting for years: Long COVID can leave behind real, measurable cardiac changes. There are also notable studies on brain fog and Long COVID that prove brain receptors help fuel that brain fog that is (really) inside your head.
Why the Latest Research Matters for SSDI Claim
The latest research on Long COVID and heart complications matters because it provides hard evidence that these symptoms are real, measurable, and often disabling—even when routine tests may appear normal. Advanced studies now use imaging and large-scale patient data to reveal persistent heart inflammation, blood vessel damage, and new risks such as hypertension and microvascular dysfunction. For those navigating disability claims, this research offers critical scientific backing for symptoms that impact daily life and work, demonstrating the lasting impact of post-COVID heart conditions.
To learn more about cognitive and neurological issues related to Long COVID, you can read our article “3 MAJOR DISABILITIES RELATED TO LONG COVID: WHEN “JUST A VIRUS” TURNS INTO SOMETHING MORE.”
If you’re experiencing brain fog along with heart issues, you might be interested in also reading our article “5 Everyday Challenges of Long COVID Brain Fog — and Why They Matter for Disability Claims.”
The Bottom Line
Heart issues caused by Long COVID aren’t rare — and for many, they can be disabling. If your symptoms make it difficult to work, care for yourself, or carry out everyday activities, it may be helpful to understand how the SSA evaluates cardiovascular conditions. This will help you organize your information before you apply for disability benefits for your Long COVID claim.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and specific SSA regulations, a condition that limits major life activities such as breathing, walking, or performing physical work can be considered a disability. That includes serious heart problems linked to Long COVID.
If this sounds like you, discuss ongoing documentation with your doctor and keep records of your symptoms.
The road to recovery can be slow, but support is out there — medically and legally. You don’t have to navigate it alone. You can reach out to a disability representative or an SSDI attorney to help you navigate a complex Long Covid claim for disability. Even though the path forward may feel uncertain, many people find that with the right information and support, life becomes more manageable again.
FAQ
Q. Does the SSA have a listing specifically for Long COVID?
A. No. The SSA does not have a dedicated Long COVID listing. Instead, Long COVID symptoms are evaluated under existing listings — such as the cardiovascular listings in Section 4.00 — based on how those symptoms limit functioning and daily activities over time.
Q. Can Long COVID–related arrhythmias or POTS fit under Listing 4.05?
A. Potentially. Listing 4.05 (Recurrent Arrhythmias) may apply when irregular heart rhythms are not fully controlled despite treatment and significantly impact functioning or daily activities. SSA reviews the frequency, severity, and documented effects of arrhythmias when making this determination.
Q. What if my heart tests look normal but I still feel terrible?
A. Some Long COVID heart issues — such as microvascular dysfunction or inflammation — do not always appear on standard tests. SSA considers documented symptoms over time, not just isolated test results, and reviews how those symptoms affect stamina, exertion, and work-related abilities.
Q. I already had heart problems before COVID. Does that affect an SSDI review?
A. Pre-existing heart conditions can interact with new Long COVID symptoms. SSA looks at overall functional capacity, including whether symptoms have worsened, changed, or created new limitations that affect daily life and work activities.
References
Krishna, B., Metaxaki, M., Sithole, N., Landín, P., Martín, P., & Salinas-Botrán, A. (2024). Cardiovascular disease and COVID-19: A systematic review. International Journal of Cardiology: Heart & Vasculature, 54, 101482. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcha.2024.101482
Ford, N. D., et al. (2024). Health insurance and access to care in U.S. working-age adults experiencing Long COVID. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 67(4), 530–539. https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(24)00164-8/
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, & U.S. Department of Justice. (2021, July 26). Guidance on “Long COVID” as a disability under the ADA, Section 504, and Section 1557. https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-providers/civil-rights-covid19/guidance-long-covid-disability/
Fleischer, N. L., Slocum, E., Patel, A., Xie, Y., McKane, P., Lyon-Callo, S., & Hirschtick, J. L. (2025). Long COVID and new onset disability nearly two years after initial infection. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 68(6), 1168–1172. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749379725000765
Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Heart problems after COVID: What to know. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/heart-problems-after-covid
Mount Sinai Health System. (2025). Long COVID may cause long-term changes in the heart and lungs and may lead to cardiac and pulmonary diseases. https://www.mountsinai.org/about/newsroom/2025/long-covid-may-cause-long-term-changes-in-the-heart-and-lungs-and-may-lead-to-cardiac-and-pulmonary-diseases
CIDRAP. (2025). Long COVID patients show signs of inflammation on PET/MRI scans. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/long-covid-patients-show-signs-inflammation-pet-mri-scans
European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. (2025). Post-COVID vascular aging and endothelial dysfunction. https://academic.oup.com/eurjpc/article/32/6/485/7611954
JAMA Network Open. (2025). Coronary microvascular dysfunction after severe COVID-19. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2835113
PubMed. (2025). Coronary microvascular impairment in Long COVID. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40489109/
ScienceDirect. (2025). Coronary microvascular dysfunction following COVID-19 infection. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0021915025012870
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH). (2024). COVID-19 increases risk of heart attack and stroke for three years after infection. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2024/first-wave-covid-19-increased-risk-heart-attack-stroke-three-years-later
Harvard Medical School. (2024). COVID’s damage lingers in the heart. https://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/covids-damage-lingers-heart
Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Blue Book — Adult Listings. https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm
Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Cardiovascular System — Adult (Section 4.00). https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/4.00-Cardiovascular-Adult.htm
Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Compassionate Allowances Conditions. https://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider for medical questions. Consult with a licensed attorney for legal advice. This article does not create an attorney-client or doctor-patient relationship.
AI Ethics Statement
This article includes information sourced from government and reputable health websites, reputable academic journals, non-profit organizations, and was generated with AI assistance. Human authors have substantially edited, arranged, and reviewed all content, exercising creative control over the final output. People and machines make mistakes. Please contact us if you see a correction that needs to be made.
