Research has found that high blood pressure puts some at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and being more negatively impacted by the virus, which means keeping your blood pressure under control is more important than ever. If you’re dealing with high blood pressure, here’s everything you need to know to keep yourself safe.
Prevention Measures
As with any underlying health condition, patients with high blood pressure should take as many precautions as possible to stay safe. This means wearing gloves and face coverings in public, washing your hands regularly, and even taking a shower and disinfecting your doorknobs once you get home from an outing. Keep your family, or anyone else who lives in your home, informed of the measures you plan to take for your own safety and ask for their help in keeping your home clean and safe.
Listen to Your Treatment Team
Even in isolation, you need to stay in touch with your doctors. Your treatment team can give you stress management advice and even tell you how to keep yourself more protected from the virus. Openly talk with your doctors about your symptoms, and try to stay on the same medication throughout this pandemic. Medication changes can stress your body and make you even more likely to catch the virus.
Most doctors are offering televisits to their patients, even when their clinic is open again. High-risk patients should choose this option whenever possible so they can avoid the risk of being exposed to a sick patient in the clinic.
Avoid Blood Pressure Triggers
At this time, avoid all the common blood pressure triggers. This includes the most widely know blood pressure triggers and any other specific triggers you might have. Do your best to avoid over-the-counter NSAIDs and decongestants, and limit your alcohol and caffeine intake as much as possible.
Try to minimize the stressors in your life. Instead of viewing the news every day, try limiting it to twice a week so your brain can take a break from COVID-19 information.
Now is a great time to incorporate blood pressure-friendly exercise like yoga into your daily routine, but don’t overdo it.
Manage your stress to the best of your abilities. Stress can lead to poor eating and sleeping habits, which can raise your blood pressure. Discuss stress management with your doctors and don’t be afraid to reach out to a mental health professional during this time.
Stay Prepared and Informed
Keep your medications, blood pressure cuff, and any other medical necessities around at all times and always have your doctors’ phone numbers close by. Stock up on the supplies you need to stay home as much as possible, and keep yourself updated on new information about the virus and how to combat it.
The Best in Adult Cardiac Care at Brookhaven Heart
At Brookhaven Heart, we prioritize the wellbeing of our patients above all else. That’s why our team is made up of dedicated, trustworthy cardiac physicians. With affordable care from talented physicians, Brookhaven Heart is the perfect place for all your cardiac needs. Call or visit our website to schedule an appointment today!
