If you suffer with high blood pressure, it’s a good idea to take extra care to protect yourself during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Hypertension damages arteries and increases workload of heart. Over time, this extra work can weaken your heart to the point where it can’t pump as much oxygen-rich blood to your body. Coronavirus can also damage the heart directly, which can be especially risky if your heart is already weakened by the effects of high blood pressure.

A weaker immune system is one reason people with high blood pressure and other health problems are at higher risk for coronavirus.

• If you suffer from high BP continue taking your medication and keep your blood pressure in check.
• Make sure you have enough medicine on hand to treat high blood pressure and other health conditions.
• Stock up on over-the-counter medicines to treat a fever and other symptoms if you get sick.
• Stay at home and limit contact with other people as much as you can.
• Avoid crowds and anyone who looks sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
• Clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces like countertops and doorknobs.

We believe that patients with cardiac diseases , hypertension, or diabetes, who are treated with ACE2-increasing drugs, are probably at higher risk for severe COVID-19 infection, however, there is no strong evidence to suggest that. Learned bodies like European Society of Cardiology and American College of Cardiology have looked into these issues and currently do not recommend to change any prescriptions.

Reference:

1. Fang, L., Karakiulakis, G. and Roth, M., 2020. Are patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus at increased risk for COVID-19 infection?. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.
2. Position Statement of the ESC Council on Hypertension on ACE-Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers. – Escardio.org.
3. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.