Have morticians found an increase in clogged arteries since Covid

1. Summary of the results

The analyses provided do not support the claim that morticians have found an increase in clogged arteries since Covid ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]}. While some sources suggest an interplay between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease, including increased risk of myocardial infarction, heart failure, and arrhythmias ^[1], and the potential for microclotting ^[2], none of them specifically mention an increase in clogged arteries. The systematic reviews and post-mortem evaluations report a prevalence of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease in COVID-19 decedents, but do not compare this figure to pre-COVID rates ^{[4] [5] [6]}. Key findings include a median prevalence of 46.2% in COVID-19 decedents ^[4] and coronary artery atherosclerosis in 26.7% of cases in a post-mortem series of 30 patients ^[6]. However, these findings do not demonstrate an increase in clogged arteries attributable to COVID-19.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses highlight the need for baseline comparisons to determine if there has been an increase in clogged arteries since the pandemic ^{[4] [5] [6]}. Additionally, the sources emphasize the importance of considering the interplay between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease ^{[1] [2]}, as well as the potential for microclotting ^[2]. Alternative viewpoints may include the impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular health care, including excess cardiovascular mortality and disruptions to cardiovascular care ^[3], and the implications of the pandemic for cardiovascular health care ^[3]. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between COVID-19 and clogged arteries, and to determine if morticians have observed an increase in clogged arteries since the pandemic.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be misleading, as it implies a direct link between COVID-19 and an increase in clogged arteries, which is not supported by the analyses ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]}. The statement may benefit those who seek to emphasize the cardiovascular risks associated with COVID-19, but it does not accurately reflect the current state of knowledge on the topic. A more nuanced understanding of the relationship between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease is necessary to avoid misinformation and bias. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of spreading misinformation, including unnecessary fear and anxiety, and to prioritize evidence-based information in discussions of COVID-19 and cardiovascular health ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]}.