People who suffer from hypertension are at risk for a severe course of COVID-19. See how to avoid infection.
It has been observed that hypertension can affect the course and prognosis of infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Because of the increased risk of complications, patients with elevated blood pressure should take special precautions. We suggest what symptoms you should watch out for.
Researchers have determined for which people the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is particularly dangerous. The elderly and immunocompromised are primarily at risk, but patients with diabetes, respiratory conditions and cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, are also at risk for severe COVID-19.
Spontaneous and secondary hypertension – differences
Arterial hypertension is a cardiovascular disease that is characterized by persistently high blood pressure values (at least 140/90 mmHg). Such a condition interferes with the proper functioning of the body and leads to a number of health-threatening complications (including damage to the kidneys, the organ of vision, the heart muscle, as well as stroke). Each year, the condition is diagnosed in an increasing number of people. Based on the causes of hypertension, the condition is divided into:
- spontaneous (primary) hypertension,
- secondary hypertension.
Primary hypertension is caused by overlapping genetic and environmental factors. The condition develops primarily in people who are obese, have a sedentary lifestyle, are exposed to prolonged stress and smoke cigarettes. A diet rich in salt, animal fats and highly processed products is also not insignificant. Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, is the result of disease processes taking place in other systems and organs. People with glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, hydronephrosis, kidney tumors, neurological disorders, adrenal and thyroid diseases are at risk of developing it. Importantly, also some medications can cause an increase in blood pressure.
Symptoms of hypertension for a very long time may not be present at all. You can only detect abnormal blood pressure values by taking regular measurements, including yourself at home with a blood pressure monitor. Complaints that should worry you are: frequent headaches, lower exercise tolerance, nosebleeds, visual disturbances and chest pain.
Support for treating hypertension
Treatment of hypertension includes pharmacotherapy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Patients already have to take oral blood pressure-lowering drugs for the rest of their lives and take daily blood pressure measurements. Regular check-ups with a cardiologist and other specialists (including an ophthalmologist) are also important, as hypertensive disease can cause complications from other systems.
Non-pharmacological treatment of hypertension includes:
- regular physical activity,
- maintaining a normal body weight,
- limiting the intake of salt and animal fats,
- including fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, fiber and whole-grain products in the diet.
Sudden spikes in blood pressure and persistently high values (despite therapy) require hospital treatment. In such a situation, our hospital treatment insurancecan come in handy , which also works if you end up in the hospital with symptoms of coronavirus infection. As an insured, you will then receive money if your hospital stay lasts no less than 2 days.
Does hypertension increase the risk of death from coronavirus?
Hypertension is counted among the diseases that increase the risk of severe course and complications (including death) of coronavirus infection. Such a situation is caused not only by damage to the circulatory system (and often other internal organs) due to high blood pressure values. Often such people are burdened with other diseases (such as obesity or diabetes), in addition to being elderly.
It is extremely important that hypertensive patients strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations and continue therapy. It is also necessary to measure blood pressure on a daily basis and immediately inform the doctor of alarming symptoms. As a patient with hypertension, you should also know how to avoid coronavirus infection.
Coronavirus and hypertension – how to avoid COVID-19 disease?
The most important rules on how to avoid coronavirus infection are:
- observing hand hygiene,
- maintaining a safe social distance,
- avoiding staying in crowded places,
- covering the mouth and nose with a mask in public places,
- disinfecting your hands when away from home.
It is necessary to follow and obey official announcements issued by the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate and the Ministry of Health.