Hypertension is a medical condition of high blood pressure. But this is a normal response to psychological stress. It is a sign of the body preparing for flight or flight. However when it becomes chronic, often due to an unhealthy life style it becomes a more serious, potentially life-threatening condition. We discuss the relationship between hypertension and COVID-19 symptoms in this post.
Diminishing the Risk of Hypertension and COVID-19 Symptoms
Hypertension is a common condition affecting almost half American adults. There are two underlying causes for it. In the first instance, blood flowing through the body encounters resistance often due to narrowed arteries. The second cause is the force of pumping being too high.
The negative relationship between hypertension and COVID-19 symptoms may however be alleviated by medication. The medical technology is beyond the scope of this article. That said we do know that diminished blood circulation reduces the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the heart.
The Effect of Hypertension Medication in COVID-19 Statistics
Researchers have puzzled over the number of hypertensive patients in coronavirus intensive care wards, and the impact on mortality. Chinese scientists analyzed 1,590 laboratory-confirmed patients at 575 hospitals in 31 provinces during the early outbreak (see link below). But they found no robust evidence of a convincing relationship between hypertension medication, and COVID-19 symptom severity.
Therefore U.S. National Library of Medicine believes it reasonable for hypertensive patients to continue using ACE inhibitors and ARB medication. The best measure for chronic hypertension thus continues to be following informed medical advice. This could include taking prescribed medication, and following a healthy life style.
There is no evidence of hypertension attracting COVID-19 infections, although it correlates with severity. People with the condition especially those over 70 could therefore continue with measures to avoid contracting the disease.
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