COVID and Hypertension: What’s the Common Connection?

Hypertension or high blood pressure is also known as the ‘silent killer’ because often there are no clear symptoms, and it increases your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Some studies have recently found out that there is a connection between COVID-19 and hypertension.

The Connection Between Hypertension and COVID-19

The connection was first noticed when the initial COVID-19 hotspots New York City, Wuhan, and Lombardy reported a higher prevalence of hypertension among the seriously ill COVID-19 patients. However, the relationship between the two illnesses remains unclear. It’s still being researched if the connection is aggravated by age or other underlying conditions often associated with high blood pressure, such as diabetes and obesity.

What Does The Latest Research Show?

A recent study published in the Circulation Journal of American Heart Association shows a connection between COVID-19 and hypertension. The study conducted with 464,585 participants between 2018-2020 showed how the blood pressures were significantly higher during the latter part of the year 2020, about the same time when the pandemic started. The increase was seen among participants of both genders, irrespective of race and age.

Also read: How to Protect Yourself from COVID-19 While Traveling

How High Blood Pressure CanWorsen YourCOVID-19 Situation

It is important to monitor blood pressure levels regularly and keep hypertension under control. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states on their website that high blood pressure is likely to worsen the effects of COVID-19 severely. The American Heart Association also states that age and hypertension are two factors that can make people more susceptible to getting severely ill with COVID-19.

Make Sure You Are Taking Adequate Measures to Manage Your Blood Pressure

Monitoring and controlling high blood pressure has always been important to keep cardiovascular diseases at bay, but it is more so now because of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have hypertension, follow the steps given below:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes:
• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Getting adequate sleep
• Exercising regularly
• Regularly monitor your blood pressure levels
• Get routine physicals with your primary care provider
• Avoid smoking and drinking and cut back on caffeine
• Reduce your weight if you are obese and keep it under control
• Minimize sodium intake
• Avoid stress triggers

Also read: Essential Facts Everyone With High Blood Pressure Should Know

Concerned About High Blood Pressure?

Hypertension is something to be concerned about because you might not even know you have it. However, even if a direct link between COVID-19 and high blood pressure isn’t identified yet, it is very well known that any existing comorbidities in coronavirus patients can aggravate the disease. In worst cases, it can even be fatal.

If you are looking for guidance to control your high blood pressure or prevent cardiovascular disease, contact us at MI Express Primary Care. Our team can create a personalized treatment plan for you to manage blood pressure and prevent more serious diseases from developing.