If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), it's important to take extra precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having high blood pressure may put you at a higher risk for severe illness and complications from the coronavirus. In this article, we'll explain the risks, the possible link between hypertension and COVID-19, and the steps you can take to protect yourself.
Studies have shown that high blood pressure is one of the most common preexisting conditions among people hospitalized with COVID-19. In fact, having hypertension can nearly double your risk of severe illness or death from the coronavirus. Other health conditions that may increase your risk include:
Cancer
Diabetes
Lung disease
Researchers are still trying to understand why people with high blood pressure may be at a higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness. One theory is that long-term health conditions like hypertension can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off the virus. This is especially true for older adults, as almost two-thirds of people over 60 have high blood pressure.
Another possibility is that certain medications used to treat high blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), may play a role. However, the evidence is mixed, and leading health organizations like the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association recommend continuing to take your prescribed blood pressure medications.
In addition to pneumonia, the most common complication of COVID-19, the virus can also damage the cardiovascular system. High blood pressure can weaken your heart over time, making it harder for it to pump oxygen-rich blood to your body. If you also have plaque buildup in your arteries, the virus may increase the risk of those plaques breaking apart and causing a heart attack.
While everyone should take steps to prevent COVID-19, people with high blood pressure and other health conditions need to be extra careful. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following:
Get vaccinated against COVID-19 and stay up to date on booster shots
Ensure you have enough medication to manage your high blood pressure and other health conditions
Stock up on over-the-counter medicines to treat fever and other symptoms if you get sick
Stay at home and limit contact with others as much as possible
Avoid crowds and anyone who appears sick
Wear a face mask indoors in public spaces if you live in an area with substantial or high transmission
Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly
By taking these precautions and staying informed about the latest COVID-19 developments, you can help protect yourself and reduce your risk of severe illness if you have high blood pressure.
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