Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 12, 2025 5 hours, 14 minutes ago
Medical News: New Study Reveals Increased Risk of High Blood Pressure in COVID Survivors
A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, and Stony Brook University in USA has revealed that individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 may face an increased risk of developing high blood pressure up to three years after infection.
Long Term Risk of Hypertension Up to Three Years After COVID-19 Infection!
This study, which analyzed data from over 64,000 COVID-19 patients within the Stony Brook Health System, offers critical insights into the long-term cardiovascular impact of the virus and emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring of those who have had COVID-19.
COVID-19 and Its Link to Hypertension
For many people, COVID-19 is primarily seen as a respiratory disease. However, growing evidence suggests that the virus can also lead to long-term health complications affecting the heart and blood vessels. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of these potential risks. This
Medical News report highlights the alarming findings of this study, which show that nearly 10% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and nearly 5% of non-hospitalized patients developed high blood pressure in the years following their infection.
The study compared COVID-19 patients to a control group of individuals who never tested positive for the virus. The findings revealed that those who were hospitalized for COVID-19 were 57% more likely to develop hypertension compared to the control group. Even among those who were not hospitalized, there was still an increased risk, particularly after 1.5 years post-infection.
Why COVID-19 May Cause High Blood Pressure
The exact mechanism behind this phenomenon is not yet fully understood, but researchers believe several factors may contribute. COVID-19 is known to cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to damage in the blood vessels and affect their ability to regulate blood pressure. The virus also interacts with the body's renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which plays a crucial role in controlling blood pressure.
Another possible explanation is that the stress and lifestyle changes caused by the pandemic, including weight gain, reduced physical activity, and increased anxiety, may have also played a role in the rise of hypertension cases. Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia were also identified as risk factors in this study.
Who Is Most at Risk
The study identified several key risk factors for developing high blood pressure after COVID-19. These include:
-Being over the age of 50
-Being male
-Having a history of conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and heart disease
-Smoking and tobacco use
-Experiencing mental health issues s
uch as anxiety and depression
-Obesity was found to be the strongest risk factor, with individuals who were overweight before contracting COVID-19 facing a significantly higher likelihood of developing high blood pressure.
Implications for Long-Term Health Monitoring
These findings underline the importance of long-term health monitoring for individuals who have had COVID-19. Many people who develop high blood pressure do not experience noticeable symptoms, making regular check-ups and blood pressure screenings essential for early detection and management.
Doctors and healthcare providers are being urged to closely monitor patients who have recovered from COVID-19, especially those who were hospitalized. The study suggests that routine blood pressure screenings should be a priority in post-COVID care to help identify and manage potential cases of hypertension early on.
What Can Be Done to Reduce the Risk
While the risk of developing high blood pressure after COVID-19 may seem concerning, there are steps individuals can take to lower their chances:
-Regular exercise and physical activity
-Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- excessive salt and processed foods
-Managing stress through relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga
-Regular health check-ups and blood pressure monitoring
For individuals who have already developed high blood pressure, medication and lifestyle changes can help manage the condition effectively. Early intervention is key to preventing more severe cardiovascular issues such as heart disease and stroke.
Study Conclusions
This study provides crucial evidence that COVID-19 is not just a short-term illness but can have lasting effects on a person’s health. The increased risk of developing high blood pressure even years after infection highlights the importance of long-term medical care for COVID-19 survivors. As healthcare providers gain more insights into the long-term consequences of the virus, it is essential for individuals to take proactive steps in monitoring their health and making necessary lifestyle changes.
The study findings were published on a preprint server and are currently being peer reviewed.
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-6074295/v1
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