Does anyone have any idea if managed hypertension is still a risk factor for CV?

[IdentifyasTired]

Hi all,

Just wondered if anyone has found any information regarding hypertension and CV?

I know high blood pressure is a risk factor but does that include people whose BP is controlled by medication and is within the normal range?

I'm 36 and have essential hypertension but it's managed with a low dose of medication. No other conditions.

I'm really rather worried about it all...

Hi OP! I'm not a doctor but am a medical student so this is my best educated guess.

I would say that the reason a person with hypertension is at greater risk of dying from coronavirus is due to the fact that having hypertension increases your risk of having a variety of cardiovascular problems such as stroke and heart attack. When you have an infection your body is in a state of inflammation. Inflammation in the body makes these cardiovascular events more likely to occur due.

If you have controlled hypertension (meaning your blood pressure is currently measuring in the healthy normal range) then I would not expect your risk to be substantially increased. Just make sure you are keeping yourself as healthy as possible.

I hope this helps. I would advise talking your GP if you are concerned though because medical advise online won't necessarily be reliable.

I was wondering this. I've made efforts to try and ensure that my blood pressure is as low as possible, lots of flavonoid and potassium rich foods, as well as access to fruits & veggies should we need to quarantine,
And also ensuring theres some form of exercise we can do at home if quarantined.

Thank you so much HungryTortoise.

That is a very reassuring answer. I do take my medication religiously and I neither smoke nor drink (in excess of the guidelines) nor am I overweight.

Hopefully all that will work in my favour!

Thank you for your advice and info

Best of luck to you PiratesLife. I hope we both come out the other side none the worse.

It's reassuring to know I'm not alone in wanting to be informed and prepared. Still a lot of blasé attitudes around my way, even though the virus is in the local area.