Updated on November 6, 2023
Yes! According to the American Heart Association, COVID-19 is associated with the development of high blood pressure.
Introduction
COVID-19 is known to affect approximately 260 million people worldwide. You might have suffered from it too!
Many people ask, “Can COVID-19 cause high blood pressure?” the answer to this is extensive and requires more evidence before doctors can finally conclude.
COVID-19, in contrast to typical flu-like illnesses, has demonstrated the ability to elevate blood pressure. According to analytical reports, hospitalized patients due to COVID-19 are twice as likely to develop persistent hypertension than those affected by the flu-like virus. The question, “Can COVID-19 cause high blood pressure?” remains unanswered as several factors, such as low socioeconomic status, isolation, psychosocial stress, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and weight gain during the pandemic, are also known to contribute to raising blood pressure. In addition, those treated with corticosteroids also developed high blood pressure.
It’s important to note that not everyone with COVID-19 will experience a significant increase in blood pressure, and the effects can vary from person to person. However, individuals with preexisting hypertension or other cardiovascular risk factors must be vigilant about managing their blood pressure during a COVID-19 infection. Participate in COVID-19 clinical trials near you to access novel alternatives.
Continue reading the blog to learn about COVID-19 complications, the relationship between COVID-19 and hypertension, and much more.
Relationship Between High Blood Pressure & COVID-19
COVID-19 can potentially increase blood pressure in some individuals, particularly if they already have preexisting hypertension or other risk factors. Here are some key points to consider regarding the relationship between COVID-19 and high blood pressure:
- Common in older males
- African-American individuals
- Individuals with preexisting conditions, such as undiagnosed hypertension, coronary artery disease, or chronic kidney disease
- COVID vaccine status
All Viral Infections: Can COVID-19 Cause High Blood Pressure?
The relationship between viruses and hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease is not a true causal relationship. According to the pathological response, the immune system’s response to viral infections is one of the major contributors to worsening blood pressure. The intricate interaction between the immune system and viruses results in a myriad of possible effects that can contribute to hypertension and adverse cardiovascular and kidney health. An expected response suggests:
- Increased blood pressure
- Organ injury
- Cardiovascular diseases
Therefore, since the global pandemic, “Can COVID-19 cause high blood pressure” is one of the frequently asked questions.
Can COVID-19 Cause High Blood Pressure?
An area of discussion, “Can COVID-19 cause high blood pressure?” remains unexplained and requires more observational studies to conclude. In preclinical mouse studies, researchers observed that acute SARS-CoV-2 infection resulted in the downregulation of ACE2 (an enzyme) in the lungs. This downregulation of ACE2 could potentially cause an elevation in circulating Ang-2 levels, a reduction in Ang-(1-7), and consequently, an unopposed increase in lung injury, heightened vasoconstriction both systemically and in the lungs, enhanced sodium and water reabsorption by the kidneys, and an elevation in blood pressure.
It is challenging to examine acute fluctuations in blood pressure following SARS-CoV-2 infection due to the presence of various factors that can influence hemodynamics during the initial stages of a viral illness. These factors encompass fever, inflammatory markers, kidney functionality, fluid balance, and the administration of concurrent medications.
It’s important to note that results vary by region, age, ethnicity, and existing conditions. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that COVID-19 and high blood pressure are commonplace in any specific ethnicity. Instead, it is more accurate to state that some ethnic groups may have a higher prevalence or risk of these conditions based on available research and data.
Efforts to address these disparities often include improving access to healthcare, reducing socioeconomic inequalities, and promoting preventive measures such as healthy lifestyle choices and vaccination to benefit individuals of all ethnic backgrounds.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of COVID-19?
Of the first few symptoms of COVID-19, fever, headache, sore throat, and dry cough are the ones that typically appear. Followed later by:
- Breathlessness
- Fever with chills (low or medium-grade fever)
- Loss of sense of smell or taste – An early symptom of COVID
- Unusual tiredness or lethargy
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Nausea or diarrhea
What Are The Complications Of COVID-19?
In addition to the commonly diagnosed post-covid cardiovascular and kidney complications, others are:
Acute Respiratory Failure
- Pneumonia
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
- Acute Liver Injury
- Acute Cardiac Injury
- Secondary Infection
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Septic Shock
Of all, acute respiratory failure has been the leading cause of death in COVID patients due to the inefficiency of the lungs to pump enough oxygen into the blood or the reduced ability to exhale carbon dioxide. In a few instances, both of the problems can happen at once. According to statistical analysis, about 1 in 6 will have complications, some of which are life-threatening.
Revival’s Contribution To COVID-19 Research
COVID-19 took away the lives of millions and was one of the most awful global health challenges, reported to be the fifth deadliest epidemics and pandemics in history.
Revival Research Institute’s efforts were instrumental in advancing COVID-19 research through its rigorous clinical trials. These trials significantly contributed to the investigation of treatments to fight against the pandemic. The Institute’s commitment to scientific excellence and the tireless efforts of its research teams have been praiseworthy in driving progress in the fight against the pandemic.
About Revival’s Hypertension Clinical Trials
Nearly half of adults in the US, about 116 million people, suffer from high blood pressure. Apart from hypertension as a complication of COVID-19, high blood pressure, if left untreated, leads to a myriad of cardiovascular complications, such as heart attack and stroke. This underscores the need to investigate effective novel therapies to help individuals suffering from hypertension and avoid its life-threatening risks.
Stay updated on Revival’s webpage to learn about hypertension clinical trials in Michigan.
Takeaway: Can COVID-19 Cause High Blood Pressure?
The relationship between “Can COVID-19 cause high blood pressure” has been a topic of significant interest and concern. Research has shown that the virus leads to downregulation of ACE2 in the lungs, potentially resulting in elevated levels of angiotensin II (Ang II), which may increase blood pressure. Furthermore, the inflammation and cytokine storm associated with severe COVID-19 puts additional strain on the cardiovascular system, exacerbating the risk of hypertension. As our understanding of COVID-19 and its effects continues to evolve, ongoing research is essential to better comprehend and manage the relationship between COVID-19 and hypertension.
