As people struggle to stay healthy and safe during this Covid-19 pandemic, increasing amounts of information are being thrown at us every single day. The latest being, Coronavirus has twice the fatality rate in humans who suffer from high blood pressure than those without the medical condition! A team of scientists, which included researchers from the National University of Ireland Galway, found that 34 out of 850 patients (4%) with hypertension died after becoming infected with coronavirus, compared with 22 out of 2,027 patients without the condition (1.1%).
Furthermore, research published in the European Heart Journal, revealed that patients with high blood pressure who were not taking medication to control the condition were at an even greater risk of dying from COVID-19. According to the American Heart Association, data from China showed 10.5% of Covid-19 patients had cardiovascular disease, 7.3% had diabetes, 6.3% with respiratory disease, 6% suffered from high blood pressure, and 5.6% had cancer.
What’s is the link between high blood pressure and Coronavirus?
One of the main reasons, people with high blood pressure are more susceptible to contracting the coronavirus is a weaker immune system! Long-term health conditions and aging weaken your immune system so it’s less likely to fight off the virus. While pneumonia is the most common complexity of coronavirus, it can also damage the cardiovascular system which puts people with high blood pressure, heart disease, and heart failure at greater risk.
What Should You Do?
- Stock enough medicine on hand to treat high blood pressure and other health conditions. The American Heart Association recommends that you continue taking your high blood pressure medicine as prescribed. If you don’t, it could raise your risk for a heart attack or stroke.
- Stay at home and practice social-distancing.
- Wear a face mask if you have to be in a public place.
- Wash or sanitize your hands often.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
During these uncertain times, caution is key! The American College of Cardiology recommends that you stay up to date on other vaccines that will prevent you from catching pneumonia or flu. Also, following a healthy diet, incorporating simple exercise routine, and maintaining one’s hygiene, can go a long way.