A study in Hypertension has revealed a connection between COVID-19 and persistent elevated blood pressure among specific demographics and those with preexisting health conditions
A recent analysis of over 45,000 individuals afflicted with SARS-CoV-2 revealed a strong correlation between the virus and the emergence of persistent high blood pressure, even in those without a history of the condition.
COVID-19 and high blood pressure connection
Elevated risk of high blood pressure post-COVID-19 was especially pronounced among individuals aged 40 and above, men, Black adults, and those with existing health issues such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, or chronic kidney disease.
Statistics showed that 21% of COVID-19 hospitalised patients and 11% of non-hospitalised COVID-19 cases developed higher levels of blood pressure. Comparatively, only 16% of hospitalised influenza patients and 4% of non-hospitalised influenza cases experienced similar outcomes.
21% of COVID-19 hospitalised patients and 11% of non-hospitalised COVID-19 cases developed higher levels of blood pressure
Individuals treated with vasopressor and corticosteroid medications during the pandemic were more likely to develop persistent elevated blood pressure following COVID-19 infection.
Future Health and public health implications
Considering the scale of COVID-19’s impact compared to influenza, the potential surge in blood pressure cases underscores a looming public health challenge.
The findings emphasise the necessity of post-COVID-19 Hypertension screening for at-risk patients to enable early identification and management, thereby mitigating cardiovascular and kidney complications.
Blood pressure issues and Covid-19: a definitive link
This groundbreaking research underscores the connection between COVID-19 and the development of elevated blood pressure, particularly in vulnerable demographics.
The implications highlight the importance of post-infection monitoring and intervention and the need for comprehensive, longitudinal studies to understand the long-term cardiovascular effects of the virus entirely.
Shedding light on a previously unrecognised health risk
The significance of this research cannot be overstated. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the link between the virus and blood pressure has immense implications for public health.
Uncovering the association between COVID-19 infection and the subsequent development of persistent blood pressure sheds light on a previously unrecognised health risk.
This knowledge pushes the urgent need for comprehensive post-COVID-19 monitoring, especially among individuals predisposed to elevated blood pressure due to age, gender, or existing health conditions.
By identifying elevated blood pressure quickly, healthcare professionals can potentially tackle the long-term cardiovascular consequences of COVID-19, reducing the strain on healthcare systems and improving overall patient outcomes.
