As the world reels under the effects of COVID-19, people with high blood pressure are more prone to facing severe complications. Many of the elderly are found with hypertension, which makes them more susceptible to COVID-19.
COVID patients with hypertensive comorbidity condition have increased up to 10 per cent in the second wave compared to first wave in 2020 . The COVID patients with hypertension will have more symptoms of cardiac issues such as accumulation of fluid in the lungs adding to the breathlessness, said Executive Member of the Indian Society of Hypertension Dr Naresh Purohit
On the occasion of World Hypertension Day Acclaimed Epidemiologist Dr Purohit said that people with COVID-19 and hypertension with low heart function tend to develop serious heart problems. During the past few weeks in Maharashtra, patients with these complications have doubled up.
“Hypertension is an inflammatory disorder. When the inflammation increases in the body, even the cardiovascular system goes in for inflammation, the reason for heart attack or stroke in COVID positive patients. Even COVID patients with hypertension should take proper medication and go for regular walks so that it will lower the risk of cardiac issues and kidney failure,” added he.
WHO-Covid-19 technical lead Dr Purohit averred that Covid is known to infect the cells that help manage blood pressure. This is how COVID and blood pressure can be linked.