Older people in particular are at risk from an infection with the coronavirus. They are particularly likely to suffer from high blood pressure. We have collected the most important information about medication and blood pressure measurement.
Many high blood pressure patients belong to the risk group in the event of a coronavirus infection. If the values are not under control and there are other health restrictions, a severe course of the Covid-19 disease can threaten. The German Hypertension League has therefore issued recommendations for people with high blood pressure.
1. Don’t take off your medication lightly
Reports that certain antihypertensive drugs could make them more susceptible to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus unsettled many people at the beginning of the pandemic. The speculations relate to drugs from the group of ACE inhibitors and sartans. The German Hypertension League warns of false information and emphasizes in a message that possible connections are “completely unclear”.
The appeal to patients with high blood pressure is therefore not to reduce the dose of blood pressure medication, or even to discontinue it on their own initiative.
On the one hand, there are data showing that precisely these drugs could even protect against lung failure. On the other hand, it should not be underestimated that the discontinuation of antihypertensive drugs leads to high health risks. In particular, high-risk patients could have serious illnesses such as a Heart attack or have a stroke.
2. Check your blood pressure regularly at home
The current situation makes it necessary that interpersonal contacts are restricted. Visits to the doctor should also only take place if they are necessary. Therefore, the German Hypertension League recommends a simple procedure: High blood pressure patients should their Blood pressure Measure yourself at home using a normal blood pressure monitor and record the values in a blood pressure diary. Here you will find a corresponding form from the German Hypertension League.
The measurement data can then also be forwarded to the attending physician for control. A recommended model for measuring blood pressure is, for example, the Braun ExactFit 5, the test winner at Stiftung Warentest.
How to proceed in detail when checking the blood pressure values:
- Measure your blood pressure one week a month – no more, no less either. Preferably once in the morning and in the evening in peace.
- Enter the values in the blood pressure diary.
- Send your data to the doctor after three months or present them when you visit the practice.
- The doctor will check the progress and will call you if a dose adjustment or therapy change is necessary.
- Alternatively, you can also use apps to record measured values. It is important that the measurement protocol is adhered to.
“This simple and effective method for blood pressure monitoring has been medically validated in studies and helps in the current situation to carry out blood pressure monitoring with fewer visits to the practice – and thus the risk of Coronavirus-To reduce infection “, explains Professor Florian Limbourg, board member of the German Hypertension League.
At what level is the blood pressure too high?
A blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg is normal. Lower values are considered optimal.
Doctors only speak of high blood pressure (hypertension) from a permanent value of 140/90 mmHg and higher..
3. Handle (incorrect) information critically
The German Hypertension League advises patients to be prudent and also to deal critically with (incorrect) information in the media and social networks. You can find valid, scientifically sound information here:
4. Follow the general protective measures
People who at high blood pressure sufferers should protect themselves from corona infection just like everyone else with everyday protective measures. This includes regular and thorough hand washing, proper coughing and sneezing and keeping your distance from sick people. A vaccination against Covid-19 is also the most effective protection against a serious illness.
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Important NOTE: The information is in no way a substitute for professional advice or treatment by trained and recognized doctors. The contents of t-online cannot and must not be used to independently make diagnoses or start treatments.
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