Covid-19 and hypertension: Reduce sodium intake, cut back on stress to keep BP in check

With the onset of Covid-19, early studies showed that high blood pressure was the most common pre-existing condition, especially among the people hospitalised. Dr. Narsingh Verma, Secretary-General, Indian Society of Hypertension (ISH) says this isn’t even limited to age anymore because hypertension starts as early as 35 years and is often ignored as stress.

“This is an extremely serious matter in the times that we are living in,” he says. A study by the India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) conducted last year showed that one in four adults have high blood pressure in India. Among people with high blood pressure, only half have been diagnosed and of those, only 1 in 10 have blood pressure under control.

A meta-analysis of various studies done in different parts of India revealed that overall prevalence for hypertension in India was 29.8%. If left untreated, hypertension in younger people can cause artery stiffening which can result in an increased risk of a stroke as well as kidney and brain damage in the future. But, there are things you can do to protect yourself.


“As they always say, prevention is better than cure, so here are a few ways which could help you keep your blood pressure and health in check. Let me reiterate, hypertension should not be taken lightly especially during the current scenario,” says Dr Verma.

How to take care of non-severe hypertension at home during COVID-19 lockdown?
The first thing you need to do, is keep your immunity up. “A weaker immune system is one of the reasons that makes people with high blood pressure at a higher risk to contract coronavirus. The longer this condition goes by undetected the weaker your immune systems become. So, keeping a check on the tell-tale signs of high blood pressure, which is literally as simple as keeping a check on it with a home blood pressure test,” says Dr Verma.

Ensure you do a preliminary consult with a doctor to get started on blood pressure medication. Reducing sodium intake is another area that can help you keep hypertension in check. “Unknowingly we consume a lot of sodium not just through the food that is cooked but also through processed meats and cheeses. It is found that salt substitutes may lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, in people with normal and high blood pressure. Especially for the people who do not think they could commit to a complete low-sodium diet, this solution seems like an ideal fit,” shares Dr Verma.

Last, but certainly not least, the doctor recommends cutting back on stress. “You need to remember that panic and distress is the enemy at this time. I know it is a tough spot to be in and the last thing on someone’s mind, but honestly, taking some time out in the day and just relaxing, even if it is 10 minutes. What you need to remember is that you cannot pour out of an empty cup,” he says.

Signs of hypertension to watch out for at home
· Severe headaches
· Fatigue
· Vision problems
· Difficulty breathing
· Pounding in your chest, neck or ears