Hypertension as a risk factor in patients with COVID-19 infection

Abstract

People with hypertension or cardiovascular diseases faced a higher risk of developing severe forms of Coronavirus and dying from this disease. Global studies estimated that between 30% and 40% of patients diagnosed with Coronavirus were hypertensive. This study used a documentary review approach, analyzing publications from 2019 to 2023 from recognized databases. The general objective was to analyze hypertension as a risk factor in patients with Covid-19 infection. The results showed that hypertension was not only prevalent among these patients but also worsened the disease and increased mortality. Hypertension contributed to systemic inflammation and elevated the risk of thromboembolic complications, which are characteristic of severe Coronavirus cases. The importance of adequately managing hypertension during the pandemic was emphasized, recommending the continuation of antihypertensive therapy and the use of telemedicine for safe treatment. Improved intervention strategies and educational programs for patients and healthcare professionals were suggested. Integrating proactive management of hypertension into Coronavirus treatment protocols could be key to reducing the pandemic's impact on this vulnerable group and improving their quality of life and survival.