Keeping a lid on blood pressure during the coronavirus crisis

Maintaining healthy blood pressure levels is always important, but even more so in the era of COVID-19.

That’s because  high blood pressure 可能会增加风险 of experiencing severe complications from the coronavirus. 近一半的美国人.S. adults have high blood pressure, 或高血压, which is defined as consistent readings of 130/80 or above.

So far the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says evidence about hypertension in people with the coronavirus is mixed. Some research has found an elevated death rate in COVID-19 patients with high blood pressure. It has also found a higher risk of consequences including being admitted to intensive care or placed on a ventilator, developing pneumonia or having organ and tissue damage.

If you have high blood pressure, here’s what you should know to stay healthy:

预防是最好的防御

If you have high blood pressure or another underlying condition, it’s especially important to follow 建议 关于保持身体距离, 洗手, wearing face coverings and other practices that can prevent COVID-19’s spread.

遵循医嘱

Patients taking common types of blood pressure medicines — angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) — who contract COVID-19 should continue treatment unless otherwise advised by their physician, 根据… 声明 from the American Heart Association, the Heart Failure Society of America and the American College of Cardiology. Consult with your health care provider before changing treatment strategies. Some medical offices are offering virtual, or telemedicine, visits.

Avoid high blood pressure hazards

各种因素可以 贡献者 对高血压的影响. 特别注意以下事项:

  • Over-the-counter medications. Decongestants and painkillers called NSAIDs, 比如萘普生和布洛芬, can increase blood pressure. People with heart concerns should limit or avoid them.
  • 一些处方药. People taking corticosteroids, 口服避孕药, 免疫抑制剂, mental health drugs and some cancer medications should monitor their blood pressure.
  • 酒精和咖啡因. Limit these — no more than three cups of caffeinated beverages a day, for instance.
  • Herbs and food combinations. Some herbal supplements such as licorice can raise blood pressure, and foods such as cured meats can interact with some antidepressants.

管理压力

压力 会导致坏习惯吗, 比如饮食不良, that can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure.

手头有额外的药物吗

Check with your doctor and pharmacy to see whether you can get a larger supply of prescription medications so you don’t have to visit the drugstore as frequently. Mail-order prescriptions might help you stock up and/or stay in.

Recognize a blood pressure emergency

A 高血压危象 occurs when blood pressure rises quickly to readings of 180/120 or greater. If other symptoms occur — such as chest or back pain, 麻木或虚弱, 视力丧失, or difficulty breathing or speaking — call 911.

不要犹豫，伸出援助之手

The 美国心脏协会’s free online 支持网络 connects people with similar health concerns. (Find “High Blood Pressure” under “Chronic Heart Conditions.”) The 美国心脏协会 is 资助新研究 and connecting researchers and doctors with the 最新的 information.
得到了 最新的 American Heart Association information and 建议 on COVID-19.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention information and resources for COVID-19.