Managing blood pressure matters during the COVID-19 pandemic
By: Gireeshkumar V.P.
Tags: International Relations, English Posts, English News, Blood Sugar, Covid 19

Managing blood pressure matters during the COVID-19 pandemic

Note: The following article was created with valuable inputs from Dr. Yogendra Singh, M.D.D.M. (Cardiology), Consultant Cardiologist, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Dehradun.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the world’s leading killer and the current leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Regular medication and lifestyle changes offer a powerful combination for preventing or reducing health issues related to the heart.

Hypertension is the biggest risk factor for chronic disease burden across the world. Indians are more prone to hypertension and heart disorders and are affected at a younger age than Europeans. According to the International Journal of Hypertension, approximately 43% of adults aged 30 years or above suffer from high blood pressure.

Currently, when India has become the second worst-hit country by COVID-19 across the globe, every Indian has to take control of their health. There have been reports of increased risk of COVID-19 complications in individuals with comorbidities, and hypertension is one of them. It is important that you understand various risk factors and measures to control high blood pressure.

Risk factors for High Blood pressure

Age

Salt intake

Obesity and overweight

Poor dietary habits

History of diabetes

Alcohol consumption and Tobacco use

Stress

Dyslipidemia

Lifestyle changes

What can be the specific risk factors for uncontrolled hypertension during a lockdown?

Sedentary lifestyle

Lack of exercise

Unhealthy eating

Stress due to a pandemic situation

Weight gain

Inhibition towards medications

Irregular follow-ups

Key steps to have healthy Blood pressure during COVID-19

Be physically active and exercise

Mind your eating behavior

Relieve stress

Manage your diabetes

Be regular with your medications

Consult your doctor for alternative modes of consultation

Focused recommendations for people with Hypertension

Continue taking your blood pressure medications as prescribed

If possible, measure your blood pressure at home and do not change your treatment without your doctor’s consultation

Low blood pressure can result from poor hydration. Thus ensure that you drink fluids throughout the day

Physical activity is necessary as many of us are spending more time at home to minimize exposure to the virus. Going for walks outside the home, provided the social distance is maintained, is a healthy and even morale-boosting activity during these difficult times

Routine for People with Hypertension

Get adequate sleep, eat balanced and healthy meals at the right time, do your daily routine tasks and take your medications on time and as prescribed by your doctor

Stay connected. Maintaining your emotional health and a happy mental status is even more necessary in these tough times. Stay connected with family and friends over the phone. It helps in elevating your mood and makes a big difference to your emotional well-being.

Become more aware, show compassion, make the right choices, and influence a loved one so that they make healthy choices.

Choose heart-healthy foods.

Decrease the salt in your diet.

Lose weight

Get active.

Manage stress.

Avoid or limit alcohol.

Quit smoking.

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