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NEW YORK – Those with underlying medical conditions might be more at risk for severe illness if infected with the Coronavirus, but a recent study finds at least one common condition also raises the risk of death from COVID-19.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found those patients also have twice the risk of dying from COVID-19.
Researchers studied records of more than 2,800 patients treated in Wuhan, China.
One of the study’s lead authors says nearly half of the patients who died had high blood pressure which was a much higher percentage compared to those who only had mild COVID-19 symptoms.
The group also looked at high blood pressure medicines, some doctors had feared Ace-2 Inhibitors and ARBs could make it easier for the virus to infect cells.
But the study found the opposite. Based on their findings, researchers suggest patients not discontinue or change their usual antihypertensive treatment unless instructed by a doctor.
They say it’s important for those with high blood pressure to realize their increased risk, to take good care of themselves during this pandemic, and if they are infected with Coronavirus, they may need more medical attention.
More than 100 million Americans have high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association.
The CDC says others at higher risk for severe COVID-19 infection include those over the age of 65, anyone with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, serious heart conditions, and people who are immunocompromised.
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