Researchers Warn That Elevated Arterial Blood Pressure Is A Delayed Complication Following COVID-19

COVID-19 News: Arterial hypertension, a pervasive cardiovascular risk factor, has come under heightened scrutiny in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world grapples with the multifaceted consequences of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, emerging evidence suggests a profound relationship between COVID-19 and the long-term development of arterial hypertension. In this COVID-19 News report, we delve into the intricate mechanisms, risks, and clinical implications of this relationship, shedding light on the evolving landscape of cardiovascular health in the post-COVID era.


Elevated Arterial Blood Pressure Is A Delayed Complication Following COVID-19
 
Thailand Medical News had already covered previous studies that show COVID-19 triggers the onset of hypertension in many exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-covid-19-news-italian-study-shows-that-about-9-percent-of-all-exposed-to-sars-cov-2-will-develop-new-onset-hypertension
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-news-indian-one-year-follow-study-of-post-covid-individuals-alarmingly-finds-that-32-3-percent-develops-new-onset-hypertension
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-thailand-medical-news-finds-that-sars-cov-2-infections-increases-risk-of-isolated-diastolic-hypertension-urgent-studies-warranted
 
Defining Arterial Hypertension: A Multifaceted Landscape
Arterial hypertension, characterized by elevated blood pressure levels, stands as a cornerstone in the realm of cardiovascular diseases. However, the nuances of its definition vary across medical societies, creating a complex tapestry that necessitates a nuanced understanding. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) define hypertension as a systolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 130 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 80 mmHg. In contrast, the European Society of Cardiology and the European Society of Hypertension (ESC/ESH) set the threshold at a systolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 140 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 90 mmHg. This diversity underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to address the multifaceted nature of arterial hypertension.
 
COVID-19 Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Pervasive Concern
> Since its emergence in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has unleashed a global health crisis, culminating in the declaration of a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. While much attention has been devoted to the acute respiratory manifestations of COVID-19, a growing body of evidence highlights its enduring impact on cardiovascular health. Even as the pandemic recedes, a substantial number of individuals continue to grapple with lingering symptoms, collectively known as post-COVID conditions or long COVID. This dynamic scenario underscores the imperative of investigating the long-term cardiovascular outcomes of COVID-19, including its potential role in arterial hypertension.
 
Exploring Mechanisms Underlying COVID-19-Induced Hypertension
The interplay between COVID-19 and arterial hypertension involves intricate mechanistic pathways, each contributing to the complex tapestry of cardiovascular health. Central to this narrative is the dysregulation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS). Through interactions with the ACE-2 receptor, SARS-CoV-2 infiltrates host cells, disrupting the delicate balance of ACE-2 and angiotensin II. Dysregulated ACE-2 expression, coupled with heightened angiotensin II activity, emerges as a central theme in COVID-19-induced hypertension. The disruption of ACE-2, a critical component of RAAS, remains a subject of investigation, and ongoing research seeks to unravel the precise mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 impacts this regulatory system.
 
In addition to RAAS dysregulation, COVID-19's inflammatory milieu plays a pivotal role in hypertension genesis. Inflammatory cytokine storms and direct endothelial invasion by SARS-CoV-2 underscore the intricate interplay between viral infection and vascular pathology. These inflammatory pathways contribute to endothelial dysfunction, characterized by an imbalance between vasodilatory and vasoconstrictive elements. The outcome is an increase in vasoconstriction, arterial wall stiffening, and weakened vasorelaxation -  factors that collectively contribute to hypertension.

Psychological and Autonomic Nervous System Contributions: The Holistic Perspective
Beyond traditional physiological pathways, psychological and autonomic nervous system contributions to COVID-19-induced hypertension warrant attention. The psychological distress precipitated by the pandemic's unprecedented challenges and the autonomic nervous system dysregulation offer alternative pathways to blood pressure elevation post-COVID-19 recovery. Psychological factors, including anxiety and stress, can influence blood pressure levels, emphasizing the need for a holistic understanding of the myriad elements contributing to hypertension in the aftermath of COVID-19.
 
Clinical Implications and Future Directions
The burgeoning evidence linking COVID-19 to arterial hypertension holds profound clinical implications. From tailored risk stratification to holistic management strategies encompassing lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy, addressing COVID-19-induced hypertension mandates a multifaceted approach. Recognizing the potential exacerbation of conventional risk factors associated with hypertension, such as obesity, metabolic disorders, and a sedentary lifestyle, underscores the importance of a comprehensive clinical assessment.
 
Moreover, future research endeavors should prioritize elucidating mechanistic insights, refining risk assessment algorithms, and optimizing therapeutic interventions to mitigate COVID-19's cardiovascular burden effectively. The post-COVID era demands a nuanced understanding of the enduring cardiovascular consequences, and ongoing research initiatives are crucial in shaping comprehensive clinical guidelines for the management of hypertension in individuals with a history of COVID-19 infection.
 
Conclusion
As the world grapples with the long-lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding its intricate interplay with arterial hypertension emerges as a pressing imperative. From unraveling mechanistic underpinnings to delineating clinical implications, this comprehensive review offers a holistic perspective on COVID-19-induced hypertension. Moving forward, concerted research efforts, interdisciplinary collaborations, and tailored clinical interventions are pivotal in mitigating COVID-19's cardiovascular sequelae and safeguarding global cardiovascular health. Navigating this complex terrain requires a dynamic approach that addresses the multifaceted nature of arterial hypertension, taking into account the diverse pathways through which COVID-19 may influence long-term cardiovascular outcomes.
 
The study findings by the researchers from Medical University of Bialystok-Poland were published in the peer reviewed International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/3/1837
 
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/study-warns-of-rare-occurrence-of-individuals-developing-stage-iii-hypertension-after-mrna-based-covid-19-vaccines
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-news-those-with-systemic-arterial-hypertension-will-likely-develop-functional-capacity-issues-after-contracting-mild-covid-19