‘Hypertension most common comorbidity in Covid patients’

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 17

Hypertension is one of the most common comorbidity among Covid-19 patients, which need to be cautiously dealt with during and post recovery from the virus.

On World Hypertension Day, which is celebrated on May 17 every year, Dr Bishav Mohan, senior cardiologist, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, said the pandemic situation was difficult for everyone but those with comorbidity, need to be little more careful.

“The problem observed among patients already on medication for hypertension is that owing to lack of physical activity, patients are gaining weight and this is causing severity in the condition of the patients,” he said. He added that people needed to take up any kind of exercise in their day-to-day life so that they could keep themselves fit during the pandemic.

Dr Sandeep Chopra, additional director (Cardiology), Fortis Hospital, said: “If a hypertensive patient becomes Covid positive, he/she should not panic and should not discontinue their medicines even while getting treated for Covid. Today, Covid-19 and black fungus disease has become a major reason of hypertension.”

A public awareness program was also held at Fortis Hospital, where Dr Chopra shared various tips to stay healthy during the pandemic.

“Pandemic has caused lot of stress and anxiety among people and amidst this situation, people should keep themselves physically active, limit their salt intake and if they contract the virus, they should not panic at all. Eat healthy, stay fit and drink lots of water,” he said.

Tips for accurate reading of BP

• Place cuff over bare arm
• Keep arm supported, position arm so cuff is at heart level
• Keep body still and be silent
• Sit with legs uncrossed
• Keep your back supported, feet flat on the floor

Advice before BP measurement

• Don’t smoke, drink caffeinated beverage or exercise 30 minutes before measuring blood pressure
• Empty your bladder and ensure at least 5 minutes of rest before measurements
• If you are on BP medication, measure your blood pressure before you take your medicine

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