COVID-19 cases are increasing regularly and it is likely that it could also affect blood pressure of the person. Even though there has been no direct link that has been established about corona virus but it could affect your health adversely. COVID infection is linked to factors that increase blood pressure and related problems. According to a recent study, there has been some evidence showcasing link between these two conditions. To understand this better, let us examine study that finds out how it impacts your arteries and nervous system.
How Does COVID Impact Blood Pressure?
According to the recent study, published by Centers for Disease Control and prevention, the pressure exerted on the arterial walls of the person leads to increase in blood pressure. When a person’s heart is pumping, then pressure exerted on heart to function in advance rate can increase rate of stroke. COVID-19 infection has been said to put pressure on multiple functions including heart rate that affects blood pressure. Hence if the systolic blood pressure increases, it could affect your blood pressure as well.
Therefore, COVID-19 infection can indirectly increase blood pressure and cause problems related to it. Another effect could be because of behavioural problems and access to medical care. So when a person has corona virus, it creates behavioural changes such as anxiety, stress and depression, and this could significantly increase blood pressure. There could be particularly problematic for those suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular problems.
Also Read- COVID-19 Brain Fog: All You Need To Know About This Condition By Expert
Study on Link between Blood Pressure and COVID
The study was based on sample size of 4,64,583 people out of whom 53% of them were women with average age of 45 years. Rest of 47% were men that were of similar age group. Taking observations on levels of blood pressure during the COVID pandemic from previous year, the blood pressure levels showed an increase.
The blood pressure increased with an average from 1.1milimeters to 2.5 millimetres (mmHg) for systolic blood pressure. This was also true for diastolic blood pressure as it showed an increase from 0.14 to 0.53 mmHg. The increase in the rate of blood pressure was there were both men and women equally.
However women on average showed greater deal of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. But age also plays a vital role in increase of BP of participants. Older participants increased their blood pressure more than the general ones.
What was the Cause of Increase in Blood Pressure in COVID-19 pandemic?
According to the co-director of Centre of Blood Pressure Disorders at Ohio, it shows that in general, these factors lead to increase in blood pressure of people during COVID-19 pandemic.
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Lack of exercise
- Central obesity
- Excessive smoking
Now all of these are also regular factors that increase blood pressure. But as result of research, it shows that cases of high blood pressure increased more than natural levels of consumption. Another researcher working on the project also said that hypertension and renal problems lead to a higher rate of blood pressure problems in people. It affected both their mental and physical health and it is still not over.
Do blood pressure medications affect severity of COVID infection?
Unfortunately no, it does not have any effect on the viral infection of corona virus. ACE inhibitors and ARBs may also increase the risk of COVID-19 infection but it was later denied and were said safe for use.
Also Read- Can You Get Re-Infected With Omicron Variant Of COVID-19? Here Are Answers You Were Looking For
Ways to Control Blood Pressure during COVID-19
1. Try to do some regular exercises and stretching that keeps your heart healthy
2. Lose some extra pounds and fat from your waistline, this can reduce weight problems and bulge of the tummy.
3. Monitor blood pressure and keep medications which can reduce blood pressure if there is an issue.
4. Take your vaccination; it may affect your blood pressure in a positive manner
5. Reduce sodium in your diet- it helps to lower down your blood pressure problems and can create a difference of 5- 6 mmHg.
6. Limit the use of alcohol and especially if you have symptoms of COVID-19 infection
7. Cut back of amount of caffeine intake, this is because reducing this can significantly affect your blood pressure problems.
8. Try to keep your stress low, stress can lead to anxiety and then affect your blood pressure levels, hence try to indulge yourself in fun activities of routine that takes out your stress.
Picture Credits- pexels.com