A new study, published in the journal, Circulation has found that the number of people suffering from high blood pressure has increased during the pandemic – a condition often described as the ‘silent killer’ as it doesn’t present any symptoms. Conducted in the United States, the results of the study highlight how COVID-19 can indirectly cause health issues, even for those who haven’t had Covid. Evidence of this has been seen in the UK and how more people, young and old, are seeking treatment for mental health disorders. On blood pressure and Covid, the scientists undertook a study of nearly half a million people whose average age was 45.7 years and compared blood pressure levels from 2018 through to 2020.
In the years before the pandemic, the scientists found no significant changes in blood pressure.
During the pandemic, this changed.
As weeks turned into months, they started to notice the average blood pressure rise further and further.
Whilst the rise was uniform across the population, differences arose between age groups.
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The study found that older participants had increased systolic blood pressure whilst younger participants had increased diastolic blood pressure.
Systolic blood pressure comes from a phase of the heartbeat known as the systole when the heart is pushing the blood into the arteries.
Similarly, diastolic blood pressure comes from a phase in the heartbeat known as the diastole.
This type of blood pressure is a measurement of the gap between each heartbeat.
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Fortunately, blood pressure is easily treatable.
This can be done through lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, cutting down on alcohol, staying active and drinking less caffeine.
Medicines may also be employed.
If an individual has any concerns about their blood pressure, it is very easy to get it measured and checked.
