Researchers from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute looked at records of 137,593 adults with hypertension to see if there were any differences in outcomes. They compared blood pressure levels before and during the pandemic. They used data and healthcare news.
High blood pressure increased during the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected Americans in many ways, but it is especially dangerous to people with heart disease and high blood pressure. Almost half of the adult population in the United States suffers from high blood pressure, and only one in four has it under control. Uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to serious complications, including heart attacks and strokes. As a result, people with high blood pressure are more likely to die.
Researchers at UT Southwestern found that blood pressure rates increased during the pandemic. The researchers studied over 72,000 individuals and found that people with hypertension were more likely to develop high blood pressure during the pandemic. The researchers found that the increase was due to a combination of lockdown stressors and lower rates of physical activity. High blood pressure is a serious health condition that can affect people’s lives, so it’s important to monitor the condition in a community.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had some positive effects on heart attacks. There have been about 20 to 40 fewer heart attacks each month in San Diego County during this time, and fewer EMS calls. High blood pressure is an important risk factor for many serious conditions, including heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
Increased risk of heart attack
Early data from the pandemic showed that the number of heart attacks due to high blood pressure was up even more than expected. Infected individuals experienced an increased risk of heart attacks by up to 4 percent. People who had been in intensive care for an acute infection also had an increased risk of heart attack.
The researchers also noted that people with cardiovascular disease were nearly twice as likely to suffer from severe COVID-19 infection. Although these numbers have declined over the past six months, cardiovascular disease is still a leading risk factor for poor outcomes.
The new findings have serious implications. While the link between high blood pressure and serious cardiovascular problems isn’t yet clear, it is crucial to keep blood pressure under control. It’s estimated that less than half of Americans have adequate control over their blood pressure, and the pandemic is likely making this problem worse. People who are already at risk for hypertension should see a health care provider and follow the medications they’re prescribed.
Increased risk of stroke
The study also found that the risk of stroke in people with COVID-19 infection was significantly higher in the first three days after being diagnosed with the virus. Compared with those who did not have the virus, people who contracted COVID-19 had a seven-fold higher risk of ischemic stroke. They also spent more time in the hospital and died twice as often. The findings will be presented at the American Stroke Association’s upcoming International Stroke Conference in New Orleans.
While there is no way to prevent stroke, you can reduce your risk of the vascular disease by making lifestyle changes. For example, cutting down on salt in the diet can help you lower your blood pressure. You can also improve your sleep and reduce stress. These changes are important in preventing stroke and maintaining good health.
The study used anonymous data from 48 million patients, or nearly every adult in England and Wales. The data came from the National Health Service of Great Britain. This study was done before COVID-19 vaccines were available.
Increased risk of heart failure
Infections with the virus are linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart failure. The new study shows that people who were hospitalized for acute infections had a significantly higher risk of heart failure over the following year. The risk of developing heart failure and blood clots in the lungs was also higher than in the general population. Although people who had no prior heart disease were not as at risk, it is still important to monitor the signs and symptoms of this virus to determine the best course of action.
High blood pressure damages the arteries and can cause blood clots, which can block the flow of blood to the heart and brain. Eventually, this can lead to a heart attack or stroke. In addition, hardened arteries can damage the heart and make it larger than normal, failing to provide the organs with enough blood.
