Hypertension, an illness that affects more than 100 million Americans, is a chronic condition that, if left untreated, may give rise to serious consequences, such as stroke, heart attack and dementia. If you have high blood pressure, the most important step you can take is to manage it through lifestyle changes and medication, which can offer a powerful combination for treating the condition and reducing possible accompanying health issues.

What is the link between hypertension and COVID-19?

Uncontrolled and untreated hypertension raises your risk for contracting COVID-19 and may also increase the severity of the infection. In addition, the risk of mortality from COVID-19 in hypertensive patients has been shown to be twice as high compared to the general population. It’s important to note though that people with untreated high blood pressure are at a higher risk for complications due to COVID-19 than those who manage their high blood pressure with medication. Either way, there are precautions you can take to protect yourself and effectively manage your condition.

Are all hypertensive patients at high risk?

While there is an association between hypertension and increased morbidity and mortality, not all hypertensive patients are at high risk. You are more likely to experience severe complications if:
- You are over the age of 60.
- Your hypertension is left uncontrolled and untreated.
- You have another risk factor, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, kidney problems or lung disease.

How can I decrease the risk of contracting COVID-19 and/or experiencing complications if I do contract it?

If you have high blood pressure, we recommend that you take additional precautions to manage your condition and decrease the risk of complications if you do find you have a positive result.

Be especially mindful of continuing to take your blood pressure medication in the correct dosage prescribed by your doctor.
It’s a good idea to have a blood pressure measuring apparatus at home to regularly monitor your blood pressure on your own. That way, if there is any change, you can speak to your physician about it or receive professional advice over the phone via DocRoad’s telehealth services.

Stay hydrated and take in adequate fluids throughout the day to replenish and nourish the body. As a rule, hydration and rest allow the body to better cope with any illness.
Increase your level of activity. While you may be staying in more to minimize your exposure to the virus, it’s important to stay active. Walk at home, in your garden, or in your neighborhood while taking care to social distance.

What lifestyle changes should I adopt?

Lifestyle modifications are some of the most effective ways to treat hypertension and even reverse it in some cases.

Eat wisely. Avoid foods high in saturated fat, which can put a strain on heart health. Instead, add fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat meals to your diet.

Decrease salt intake. Consuming high amounts of salt raises blood pressure significantly. Aim to limit sodium to less than 2,300mg a day, though 1,500mg a day or less is ideal.

Get active. Burn extra calories with regular physical activity to lower blood pressure and lose weight.

Lose weight. Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise can contribute to weight loss, which lowers blood pressure.

Quit smoking. Tobacco increases blood pressure and the buildup of plaque in your arteries.

Avoid or limit alcohol intake. The consumption of alcohol can raise blood pressure.

Manage your stress in healthy ways. Stress causes inflammation in the body and blood pressure to increase. Additionally, unhealthy ways of coping with stress may increase blood pressure. Try deep breathing, yoga and meditation instead.

General guidelines to follow to protect yourself from the COVID-19 virus include:

1. Wear a mask.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
3. Maintain social distancing.
4. Cover your mouth while sneezing or coughing.

How can we help you?

At DocRoad, we believe that everyone should receive the care they need to live the healthy life they deserve, which is why we are opened a new door to chronic condition management. We offer simple and convenient doctor’s appointments right from your pocketable clinic called PocketDR.

Our expert and empathetic medical specialists provide outcome-focused health services, including scheduled phone appointments, customized care plans, medication refills, and continued remote monitoring for older adults with chronic conditions.

Call us today for a consultation and see how we can help you manage your hypertension with comprehensive and compassionate care received right from the comfort of home.