COVID-19 may cause high blood pressure in at-risk individuals.
COVID-19 may cause high blood pressure in at-risk individuals.
The Link Between COVID-19 and High Blood Pressure: New Research Reveals Surprising Findings
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Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has not only posed immediate health risks, but it has also raised concerns about potential long-term effects. Recent research suggests that people who have had COVID-19 are more likely to develop hypertension, even with no prior history of high blood pressure. The findings, published in the journal Hypertension, shed light on the link between COVID-19 and the onset of high blood pressure.
The Study Findings and Implications
In an analysis of six-month follow-up data from over 45,000 people who had COVID-19, researchers discovered that 21% of those who were hospitalized for the virus and 11% who were not hospitalized later developed high blood pressure. These numbers were significantly higher than those observed among individuals who had experienced influenza. The study’s senior author, Tim Q. Duong, emphasized the importance of these findings, stating that they could signify long-term population health concerns for the millions of people worldwide who have had COVID-19.
High-Risk Groups
The study focused on data from the New York metropolitan area, particularly the Bronx, which has a significant lower socioeconomic status. The analysis revealed that certain groups had a higher risk of developing high blood pressure after COVID-19. These groups include older adults, men, and Black Americans. While the increased risk among older adults was expected, the study provided crucial new data regarding how “long COVID” affects different populations. Duong noted that this research was the first to show that male COVID patients and African-Americans with COVID-19 are particularly susceptible to developing new hypertension. However, the reasons behind these increased risks are multifactorial and more research is needed to fully understand them.
Preexisting Conditions and High Blood Pressure
While COVID-19 was associated with the development of high blood pressure, particularly among individuals without a prior history of hypertension, the study also found that preexisting conditions played a role. People with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, or chronic kidney disease were more likely to develop high blood pressure after contracting COVID-19. Emily E. Volk, an expert in pathology, explained that blood clotting abnormalities observed in many COVID-19 patients could contribute to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. This suggests a potential link between abnormal vasculature and high blood pressure in some individuals with long COVID.
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Understanding Long COVID and Its Effects
One of the major challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has been the lack of information. As a new virus, health professionals have been continuously learning about its long-term effects. Nonetheless, significant breakthroughs have been made since the emergence of the virus, including the development of effective vaccines. Symptoms of COVID-19 and long COVID can vary widely, but some commonalities have been identified. Headaches or “brain fog” have been frequently reported, which can severely impact daily functioning. Patients experiencing cognitive difficulties may find it challenging to perform tasks they were previously competent at, leading to increased distress.
Managing Long COVID
Dealing with the symptoms of long COVID can be challenging due to their non-specific nature. Patients are advised to be patient and persistent when seeking medical help, as doctors need to rule out other potential causes before attributing all symptoms solely to COVID-19. Getting vaccinated and practicing proper respiratory hygiene is also crucial in managing the impact of respiratory infections such as influenza and COVID-19, especially with the approaching flu season. Experts strongly recommend vaccination for individuals who have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine.
In conclusion, recent research highlights a link between COVID-19 and the development of hypertension, even in individuals without a prior history of high blood pressure. The study provides important insights into the long-term effects of the virus and identifies high-risk groups more susceptible to developing high blood pressure after COVID-19. While the full extent of the relationship between COVID-19 and high blood pressure is not yet understood, these findings underscore the need for ongoing research and emphasize the importance of managing long COVID symptoms.
