How to manage high blood pressure during COVID

the management of hypertension during COVID

The burden of Hypertension in India

Almost 1 in every 3 adults in India is reportedly suffering from hypertension accounting for approximately 31% prevalence. Unfortunately, a very low proportion of people with hypertension are aware of their condition as high B.P. usually does not cause symptoms and may remain undiagnosed for a long time until it causes complications.

Blood pressure screening

Screening is an easy way to unmask undiagnosed hypertension

Table 1: Screening of blood pressure in the general population
People with Age Once a year Every 2-3 years
≥ 40 yrs
18 to 39 yrs. with no risk factors
18 to 39 yrs. with risk factors
Overweight / Sedentary Lifestyle
Family history of hypertension or heart disease
Smoking / Alcoholic

COVID-19 illness and Hypertension- The need for caution

High blood pressure hardens the vessels over the years, thereby decreasing blood flow and oxygen to organs leading to serious complications such as heart attack, kidney damage, or stroke.

If a person gets infected by COVID-19, the coronavirus may

  • Cause inflammation in the already weakened and frail heart muscle [myocarditis].
  • Fever and inflammation accelerate the heart rate, increases the workload, and starves the heart of oxygen.
  • Destabilize the plaque, break it which may block the artery resulting in a heart attack.

Management of hypertension during Pandemic

Depending on your high blood pressure reading, your hypertension may be classified as Elevated BP [Systolic 120-129 mm Hg], Stage 1 hypertension, or Stage 2 hypertension.

Your doctor may ask for other lab tests include urinalysis, blood cell count, blood chemistry (potassium, sodium, creatinine, total/HDL cholesterol), and an ECG (electrocardiogram) to evaluate your hypertension.

The management of hypertension includes pharmacological therapy, a healthy diet, a good lifestyle, and regular monitoring.

Diet and Lifestyle:

A healthy diet and regular physical activity increase immunity, controls body weight, and keeps the check on blood pressure.

  • Avoid stress and have a good night’s sleep
  • Have a diet rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, fiber, protein and low in sodium [Table 2]
Table 2: Lifestyle intervention in Hypertension
Dos Don’ts
Consume
  • Fruits: Apples, bananas, dates, grapes, oranges
  • Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes
  • Whole grains
  • Fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, beans, Nuts[Almonds, peanuts, walnuts]
Reduce the saturated and total fat content
Drink water to Stay hydrated Avoid sugary drinks
Reduce salt intake
Avoid Smoking
Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption

Self- management and Regular doctor consultation – way to go…

It is highly recommended to check blood pressure regularly, preferably a few times every week by using a home blood pressure monitor [A reading should be taken with a well-fitted pressure cuff after resting for about 5 minutes].

  • Adhere to medication and follow diet and lifestyle intervention
  • Keep a check on B.P. if you are on anti-depressants, hormonal birth control, cancer medications or taking corticosteroids
  • Ask your doctor before taking certain medications that might increase BP
    • Common pain medications ( NSAIDs- ibuprofen)
    • Some herbal supplements such as licorice
  • Do not stop taking prescribed medications especially  ACE-Inhibitors or ARBs (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or blocker) for management of high blood pressure

If there is a change in the reading, consult your doctor. The patient should use teleconsultation if a physical visit is not possible. At DocOnline, you can get a high-quality medical consultation from our experienced doctors, order lab tests online and order medicines that can be delivered at your doorstep.

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  • Live Chat with Doctors
  • Book Doctor Appointment Online
  • Speak to a Doctor within 15 Minutes
  • Consult doctors via Audio/Phone Call & Video
  • For You + 3 Family Members
  • Store health records
  • Read health tips
  • Order Medicines Online & Get Lab Tests Done Easily

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Scan QR code to download the app
or Go to Play Store and Download the app

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