---
title: Science and Research
date: 2026-01-03T22:45:00+01:00
author: admin
canonical_url: "https://dlhycovid.sk/en/veda-a-vyskum"
section: Univerzálne stránky
---
![logo](/assets/images/appv.png) 

# Science and Research

 

 ![Bf6f864fca5fe28260233ae441698eaa3424246c](https://dlhycovid.sk//assets/uploads/_transforms/2026/05/domovska-stranka/_universalHero/bf6f864fca5fe28260233ae441698eaa3424246c_2025-12-26-125833_yebq.jpg) 

 ![bg](/assets/images/universal/hero-bg.png) ![bg](/assets/images/universal/hero-bg.png) 

 

  COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. However, many people who have recovered from COVID-19 – both adults and children – do not fully regain their health after the infection. They continue to experience various health problems over a long period of time. This condition is referred to as *long COVID* (commonly abbreviated as LC), and is sometimes also described as post-COVID syndrome.

Long COVID means that health problems persist for months or appear only after the acute infection has resolved. It affects not only individuals’ daily lives but also has a broader impact on society. It places a burden on healthcare systems, the economy, and slows progress in improving public health.

Research shows that COVID-19 may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases even long after the infection. A key role is played by damage to the inner lining of blood vessels (the endothelium), which is essential for their proper function. This issue occurs not only during the acute phase of the disease but can also persist in long COVID.

Studies also suggest that people with long COVID may experience changes in red blood cells, abnormalities in blood clotting, persistent inflammation, and increased oxidative stress – that is, damage to cells caused by harmful substances. These processes may contribute to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and difficulties with concentration.

Not all patients experience the same symptoms or disease course. This suggests that long COVID may have multiple underlying causes and mechanisms that differ between patient groups.

Although progress has been made in understanding long COVID, many questions remain unanswered. Further research is therefore needed to better understand this condition and to develop more effective and targeted treatments as well as preventive strategies.

The aim of this project is to better understand the relationship between changes in blood vessels and blood in long COVID. These findings may help improve the care of patients suffering from this condition in the future.