Covid-19 may increase risk of hypertension, study says

A recent study conducted by Revista Hypertension, a publication of the American Heart Association, has brought to light a worrying connection between Covid-19 and the increased risk of developing high blood pressure.

The research, which analyzed more than 45,000 cases of Covid-19 and 14,000 cases of common flu, found that individuals infected with the coronavirus have a significantly higher chance of developing the condition.

What does the study say about the connection between Covid-19 and hypertension?

According to published results, 21% of patients hospitalized due to Covid-19 developed post-infection high blood pressure, a considerably higher figure when compared to the 16% of those hospitalized for the common flu.

Interestingly, even Covid-19 patients who did not require hospitalization showed an increase in rates, with 11% of them developing the condition versus just 4% of mild flu cases.

How do these findings affect the treatment and tracking of post-Covid-19 patients?

Considering that high blood pressure can be a “silent killer” as it often does not present clear symptoms, the results of the study highlight the importance of proactive screening of patients who have had Covid-19.

This monitoring can help in the early identification and treatment of possible cardiovascular and renal complications associated with hypertension.

“These findings should raise awareness for screening at-risk patients after COVID-19,” said Tim Q. Duong, senior author of the study.

How can we prevent hypertension?

• Adopt a healthy lifestyle
• Change eating habits, reducing salt consumption
• Practice physical activities regularly
• Avoid smoking and moderate alcohol consumption
• Control diabetes and avoid fatty foods

In addition to individual prevention measures, continuous screening and education about the risks of hypertension are critical, especially for those who have been affected by Covid-19, thus ensuring a better quality of life and adequate long-term health management .