How COVID-19 affects people with high blood pressure

There is a system called the renin-angiotensin system, which controls the blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte balance of the body. Renin breaks down the enzyme angiotensinogen to form angiotensin I whenever the blood pressure of the body drops down. 

Since angiotensin-I is an inactive protein, it converts into the active form angiotensin-II with the help of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).

ACE-II is found in large quantities in the lining of lungs, intestines, kidneys and blood vessels. 

Whenever there is low blood pressure, ACE-II binds with the ACE receptors and constricts the blood vessels. This helps in raising the blood pressure of the body.

A rise in the levels of ACE-II in people with cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease, increases the risk of a sudden spike in their blood pressure. To prevent this, doctors prescribe angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) to these people.

Scientists have found out that in order to invade a cell, COVID-19 virus, also called the SARS-CoV-2, attaches itself on angiotensin-converting enzyme-II (ACE-II). 

By invading ACE-II, the virus gets easy access to the lungs. By invading the cells of the respiratory tract, they start presenting symptoms like cough, sore throat and shortness of breath.

Since the levels of ACE-II increases in the blood vessels of people with high blood pressure, the virus attacks these blood vessels more brutally.

This is the reason why people with high blood pressure are prone to get more severe symptoms as compared to healthy individuals.

These steps can reduce the risk of getting high blood pressure in a person during COVID-19 infection: 

• Stock the medications: Make sure you have all your necessary medications at home as you might not be able to step out of your house for days.
• Exercise daily: Since you cannot go out of your house, you can do light exercises while staying at home. You can do basic exercises like stretching, walking and or some yoga asanas for at least 30 minutes a day. 
• Check your blood pressure: Monitor your blood pressure once daily with the help of an automatic blood pressure machine. 
• Quit smoking: The chemicals in the tobacco increase the blood pressure. So in order to prevent this, you should quit smoking.
• Eat healthy food: High salt diet should be totally avoided. Avoid high-calorie snacks. Eat fibre-rich food, low-fat dairy products like milk and yoghurt, food items rich in magnesium and potassium to help your body regulate blood pressure.
• Stay stress-free: Stress is one of the major reasons for the spike in blood pressure in the body. Stay calm and take good care of your health. 
• Consult a doctor: If you feel you are getting any of the symptoms of COVID-19 infection, consult your nearest doctor immediately. Call them and let them know about your situation, then proceed accordingly.

The outbreak of the latest iteration of a coronavirus infection has thrown the daily life of people all over the world into complete disarray. Governments all over the world have imposed strict restrictions on the public with regards to movement to arrest the rising number of infections that has overwhelmed the public healthcare systems in major countries like Italy, Spain as well as the United States.

Global leaders have stressed on people remaining indoors to be able to prepare for the onslaught of rising number of people coming through hospital doors for treatment. In the public's part, maintaining a healthy life while remaining indoors becomes tantamount. With a practice of a regular routine of a balanced diet, regular exercise and checking for vital health parameters, one can be able to tide through these difficult times.