Lyudmila Gapon, MD, PhD, Professor, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation shared her views regarding peculiarities of treatment strategy for virus infections, particularly COVID-19 in patients with high blood pressure.
Why does the blood pressure go up at viral infections and flu?
Viral diseases are characterized by various symptoms, including lower or elevated blood pressure. These fluctuations can be the result of increase in body temperature that causes changes in circulatory system.
In some cases, vasospasm can be found and dangerous because of recurrent hypertensive crisis. Pathogenic microorganisms make the body act in “emergency mode”. The functioning of the central nervous system is disrupted: insensibility, tiredness, rapid fatigability arise. If the treatment start is delayed, the blood pressure may elevate.
In treatment for viral infections, hypertensive patients аre prohibited from:
• Administrating drugs containing caffeine (Panadol Extra, Coldrex and Rinicold)
• Using of medicine for runny nose with vasoconstrictive effect containing phenylephrine
• Administrating antihistamine medications
• Using of alcohol for treatment purposes
• Taking hot bath, inhaling, rubbing and body wraps
• Smoking and drinking caffeinated beverages
High blood pressure causes severe distress in patients with coronavirus, increasing the probability of lethal outcome. Use of prescribed blood pressure medications reduces this risk.
Currently, there is NO EVIDENCE that taking drugs against serious cardiovascular complications increases the risk of COVID-19! People with high blood pressure are at risk of developing severe forms of COVID-19, therefore all global communities of cardiovascular professionals strongly recommend to continue taking life-saving medicines.
