Managing High Blood Pressure during COVID

A body of evidence suggests high blood pressure is a common disease among the elderly. Older people also tend to have pre-existing medical conditions, making them more likely to fall seriously ill with COVID. A recent study of their medical records in 150 Spanish hospitals confirmed the association. However, elderly people can reduce visits to doctors by managing high blood pressure at home.

Monitoring a Respiratory COVID Infection at Home

But, it is equally important to keep an eye out on an actual infection brewing. That’s because the Spanish researchers confirmed COVID patients with hypertension have a greater chance of dying. Now we know those patients are highly likely to develop severe lung infections, which seriously affect their ability to breathe.

We have also learned during our research that our lungs transfer oxygen through our bloodstream. And moreover that lung infection diminishes this capability, potentially leading to organ failure. Therefore, elderly people particularly need to monitor their blood oxygen concentrations, as well as managing high blood pressure during COVID.

Managing Blood Oxygen and High Blood Pressure during COVID

Most of us have become cautious about visiting medical providers and hospitals. That’s because we believe we are more likely to encounter the COVID coronavirus there. Many elderly people are deliberately avoiding medical check-ups, despite these facilities being generally medically safer.

Much the same applies to younger folk, even children. Remember, they too could catch the COVID and develop respiratory complications. Hand held pulse oximeters that slip in your pocket, are available at most drug stores to help bridge the gap during the pandemic.

Pulse oximeters monitor two conditions during non-invasive tests that should take less than one minute. They report the user’s blood-oxygen level against a perfect score of 100. And they measure their diastolic blood pressure between heart beats. These simple, potentially life-saving devices are available as wrist wearables, while others conveniently slip over users’ fingers.