Pune: As the world reels under the effects of COVID-19, people with high blood pressure are more prone to facing severe complications. Many of the elderly are found with hypertension, which makes them more susceptible to COVID-19.

COVID patients with hyper-tensive comorbidity condition have increased up to 10 percent in the second wave compared to first wave in 2020. The COVID patients with hypertension will have more symptoms of cardiac issues such as accumulation of fluid in the lungs adding to the breathlessness, Executive Member of the Indian Society of Hypertension Dr. Naresh Purohit said.

On the occasion of World Hypertension Day (May 17), acclaimed Epidemiologist Dr. Purohit said that people with COVID-19 and hypertension with low heart function tend to develop serious heart problems. During the past few weeks in Maharashtra, patients with these complications have doubled up.

Cardiac patients who have high blood pressure without any treatment also tend to develop renal issues, when they have uncontrolled high blood pressure, it can cause arteries around the kidneys to narrow, weaken or harden. These damaged arteries are not able to deliver enough blood to the kidney tissue.

“Hypertension is an inflam-matory disorder. When the inflammation increases in the body, even the cardiovascular system goes in for inflammation, the reason for heart attack or stroke in COVID positive patients. Even COVID patients with hypertension should take proper medication and go for regular walks so that it will lower the risk of cardiac issues and kidney failure,” he added.

Dr. Purohit averred that Covid is known to infect the cells that help manage blood pressure. This is how COVID and blood pressure can be linked. “Since the immunity is weak, people with high blood pressure and other conditions may fall prey to Covid-19. Many people above 60 have high blood pressure and many who are admitted to hospital with Covid-19 have pre-existing hypertension. Furthermore, there are many medications that also raise your risk of hypertension” he said.