COVID-19 has presented a range of health challenges beyond its respiratory symptoms. Many individuals have reported changes in their blood pressure during or after experiencing the illness. This observation has led to significant scientific interest in understanding the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the cardiovascular system’s regulation of blood pressure. This article explores how COVID-19 can influence blood pressure, from the acute phase of infection to its potential long-term effects.
Blood Pressure During Acute Infection
During acute COVID-19 infection, blood pressure can fluctuate, with both elevations and reductions. These changes can occur in individuals without a previous history of hypertension. The body’s response to acute infection involves a stress response that activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to temporary increases in heart rate and blood pressure. The widespread inflammation triggered by the virus can also affect blood vessel function, contributing to these changes. In some cases, severe infection can lead to systemic shock, resulting in a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Blood Pressure After Infection
Even after the acute symptoms of COVID-19 resolve, some individuals experience new or worsened blood pressure issues, often referred to as “Long COVID.” Studies indicate that new-onset persistent hypertension can affect a notable percentage of individuals. This suggests that long-term cardiovascular issues can arise irrespective of the initial severity of the infection.
How COVID-19 Affects Blood Pressure
The influence of COVID-19 on blood pressure involves several biological mechanisms. The SARS-CoV-2 virus primarily enters human cells by binding to the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, present in many organs. This interaction can lead to the downregulation of ACE2, disrupting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), a key regulator of blood pressure. When ACE2 activity is reduced, levels of angiotensin II, a powerful vasoconstrictor, can increase, potentially leading to higher blood pressure.
The body’s inflammatory response to the virus, often termed a “cytokine storm,” plays a role. Elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines can directly damage the inner lining of blood vessels, known as the endothelium. This endothelial dysfunction impairs the blood vessels’ ability to relax and contract properly, contributing to increased blood pressure. COVID-19 can also affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and blood pressure. Dysregulation of this system can manifest as blood pressure instability, leading to episodes of both high and low blood pressure.
Monitoring and Management
For individuals concerned about their blood pressure in the context of COVID-19, regular monitoring is important. Healthcare professionals recommend frequent blood pressure checks, especially for those recovering from the infection or with pre-existing conditions. Monitoring can be done at home using a reliable blood pressure device. Consulting a healthcare professional for guidance, diagnosis, and treatment is important if elevated readings are consistently observed.
Beyond medical intervention, lifestyle adjustments can support cardiovascular health and blood pressure management. These include adopting a healthy diet with reduced salt intake, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress through techniques like meditation or exercise, maintaining a moderate weight, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. These measures can help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on blood pressure and promote overall well-being.