This was posted on another health forum and may or may not be true.
I happened to run into a chap who I had gone to University with - low these many decades ago - and he (now a virologist) told me some interesting things about the current Coronavirus/Covid-19 situation that is currently gripping our globe. He is in fact currently working on this.
(i) There is some doubt about the current test it seems - but then there is a lot of doubt in general it appears over the entire subject at present.
(ii) He said - based on the articulated findings from China - that a common denominator in the deaths was hypertension. They currently believe this is key in the transference from Covid-19 to ARDS - and it is the latter which brings on - as I understood it from what he said - the increase in mortality.
My Question - and one I haven't really been able to get answered is this:
IF YOU HAVE HBP (and I've had genetic hypertension for decades - my own father having died at 42 because of it when I was nine - but have taken medication which has successfully controlled that same for 44 years) THAT IS KEPT UNDER CONTROL BY MEDICATION ARE YOU STILL IN THE HEIGHTENED VULNERABILITY CATEGORY FOR CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 BY VIRTUE OF THE CORE HYPERTENSION?
Does anyone know??? ... or does anyone know where I might go to get this query answered.
I would be most very grateful to hear.
Written by
seasider18
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I sincerely hope not as I was at 244/133 when diagnosed so I would be a goner! It was 119/73 for a recent 24 hour bp test.I hope the medication would pull me through.No way of knowing at present though so I'll just take the tablets and take all the usual precautions re. infection.
Hi Seasider18, I don't know the answer but like every virus that goes round, people with underlying health conditions always have an heightened risk. I wouldn't worry about it , just take sensible precautions, i.e washing hands, keeping away from people with cold/flu like symptoms. I've just got over the flu (think it was the Aussie flu that was going around) and it did knock me about but I'm still here. I not only have HBP but also MS and osteoporosis. What I'm trying to say is don't get stressed over this as you will make yourself unwell. Take care.
Just stressing about this viral infection will make the BP go higher than normal. I decided not to worry too much as one can touch an infected box and then touch one’s nose or mouth and transfer the disease without even realising. Just eat lots of fruit that contain vitamin C like citrus and kiwi (I once remember reading about its high vitamin C content) and enjoy life!
In East Sussex I have only seen three face masks in the past week and one wearer was lifting his to smoke. At the same time all shops have signs saying that face masks are sold out. There are still toilet rolls on the shelves and no queues at Boots. People are shaking hands, hugging and kissing and one young couple were sharing a Greggs sausage roll,
Masks are only useful for people who are already infected to help avoid spreading. We will still catch it, feasibly, even wearing a mask which we will have to handle. So hand washing soap and water still best.
As a nurse and someone with CKD but not high blood pressure it is my suspicion that the link may be realated to over the counter cold medications which can increase blood pressure and is why CKD people should not take them without medical advice. People with high blood pressure probably should not take them either as increased blood pressure is a side effect of these meds. If you get sick consult your doctor about what you can safely take.
Hello seasider18, a very interesting question. I have HBP which I've had medication for since 1992. An echocardiogram back then showed dysfunctional left diastolic which was never explained to me. I have a new GP now & still no definite answers for hard to control HBP, she says it genetic. Anyway recently I received a letter saying as I'm on the Register for chronic Disease I'm invited to a new HBP Clinic. Interestingly I've never been told this before. However I don't know the answer to your question & will be following with interest. Perhaps your Dr could answer the question? It's a very relevant thing to ask. I'm so sorry to hear you lost your Father at 42 when you was only 9. I lost my son age 40 to a cardiac arrest a few years ago. Take good care, and be relaxed as much as possible. Much love to you xxx
I must admit it worries me seasider18.My blood pressure is under control at present but when diagnosed last year it was downright dangerous!I wonder how easily the balance can be upset.That said, I'm not sure there are enough answers on this virus as yet so preventative measures are all we can do at present.
I have controlled HBP, well, 24 reading average of 127/90, doctor would like it nearer 80, that was eight weeks ago, since then ive lost a stone and basically drink water and eaten dust 😂 so i hope the levels have dropped! and i have been concerned regarding this virus, a friend saw on the news this morning that people with underlying health issues should do all they can to get them within normal range to prevent any complications should they be unfortunate to contract it.
Im going to get a bp machine and see if its within normal range and if not ask my doctor if i can tweak my meds a little whilst the virus is about 😊
I have now seen an article about HBP and coronavirus, but it also mentioned people with heart conditions, diabetes, cancer etc who have a heightened risk of mortality if they get the virus. Of this list HBP was at the lower end. This is the same situation with any virus that you may contract and I see no need to be alarmed, but that's just my opinion.
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