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Among the risk factors for the severe course of COVID-19, we can distinguish, among others, age over 65, chronic lung disease, diabetes, hypertension or reduced immunity. Research shows that one of these factors is particularly dangerous. In Poland, up to 15 million people struggle with this disease.
- One study found that high blood pressure doubled the risk of dying from severe COVID-19
- Scientists suggest that high blood pressure, if left untreated, is even more dangerous as it damages blood vessels and adversely affects the immune system
- You can find more current news on the TvoiLokony home page
Hypertension increases the risk of dying from COVID-19
“Shortly after treating COVID-19 patients in early February in Wuhan, we noticed that nearly half of the patients who died had high blood pressure,” said Ling Tao of the cardiology department of Xijing Hospital in Xian, China. A team of scientists led by Tao in collaboration with researchers from the University of Ireland in Galway published their findings in the European Heart Journal.
The study authors looked at the data of nearly 3000 patients in Wuhan. Almost 30 percent of them had hypertension, and 4 percent. died (compared to 1,1% of the dead had normal blood pressure). After several corrections for patient differences, it was found that people with hypertension are twice as likely to die from COVID-19.
Researchers also noted that patients with hypertension who did not receive treatment had a significantly higher risk of death compared with patients who took medications for high blood pressure.
How does high blood pressure contribute to serious complications of COVID-19?
The link between high blood pressure and severe COVID-19 symptoms is still under investigation. Some experts believe that uncontrolled high blood pressure leads to chronic inflammation throughout the body that damages blood vessels and disrupts the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight the virus. Inflammation can contribute to a dangerous, overreaction of the immune system to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
Initially, there were disturbing reports that certain classes of antihypertensive drugs exacerbate the course of COVID-19 infection, but this was verified in studies and refuted. Scientists agree that good blood pressure control has long-term health effects and can help reduce the risk of severe COVID-19. That is why experts urge regular blood pressure monitoring and not to abandon medical visits during the epidemic.
The editorial board recommends:
- How do comorbidities affect the course of COVID-19? Large meta-analysis
- Drugs that regulate blood pressure help hypertensive patients infected with the coronavirus
- Hypertension is asymptomatic. Symptoms have complications
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