High Blood Pressure & COVID-19

Having hypertension (high blood pressure) may increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Emerging evidence also suggests that those with high blood pressure are 2.5 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than patients with no underlying issues.

There is no scientific basis for claims that heart medication increases the risk of COVID-19 infection and complications. Continue to take your medication as prescribed, and ensure you have a 30-day supply at any given time.

To help manage this risk factor, continue your efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle. Eat well, include physical activity with a heart-healthy component (at home, or outdoors while keeping a safe distance from others), and if you smoke, consider quitting. Above all, do not hesitate to seek medical attention should you need it.

Main Point

Those with underlying chronic health conditions such as hypertension are at higher risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. Follow public health guidelines carefully, and ensure other individuals in your household (or pandemic bubble) do so as well. Do not hesitate to seek appropriate medical attention, as needed.

Source:

www.heartandstroke.ca/articles/coronavirus-heart-disease-and-stroke