Hypertension – „silent killer“ hired by COVID-19
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no significant increase in the number of young people suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure). But the situation has changed now.
Hypertension, which is considered the leading cause of cardiovascular disease, affects more and more people, including those under 30 years of age.
Hypertension – possible long-term effect from COVID-19 infection
Despite the decline in new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, doctors warn that the coronavirus is still a threat: vaccination must continue to be at the heart of the pandemic response, remaining the best way of our long-term coexistence with the virus, too.
But as pandemic prospects become more optimistic, many of us are facing the troubling consequences of past coronavirus infection, the so-called long-term effects.
Even if your illness was mild and has been weeks and months since the infection, you may feel your heart racing and beating erratically, followed by chest pain.
And you are not alone.
Many people develop long-term heart problems after a coronavirus infection, including hypertension as a risk of further cardiovascular problems.
Studies have shown that this is also common in people who previously had no medical history that would indicate a risk of heart disease. For at least a year after becoming infected with COVID-19 (the studies cover this period), the chances of heart rhythm disturbances and deadly blood clots in the legs and lungs are increased.
Epidemiologists were surprised that these effects were not limited to people who had health problems before infection with COVID-19.
The risk increased not only in the elderly but also in younger people; not just in those with obesity.
Infections with other viruses, such as influenza, carry similar risks, but the problem with COVID-19 is that the infection is truly global and widespread.
The pandemic has increased the number of young people with hypertension
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no significant increase in the number of young people suffering from hypertension. But since (April) 2020, the situation has changed.
Hypertension, which is considered the leading cause of cardiovascular disease, is now affecting more and more people under the age of 30.
Lifestyle changes imposed by the pandemic are also to blame for the indirect causes of this situation.
COVID-19 lockdowns and working from home involve reduced physical activity and an unhealthy diet, which has led to weight gain in many people. Another important factor is avoiding or inability to go for regular check-ups with a doctor. As well as stressful situations related to the pandemic.
Regularly measure blood pressure at home to maintain good health
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition when the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls is too high.
There are no visible signs, but it can cause heart disease, heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other health threats.
Hypertension can be a consequence of improper diet, hereditary family history, lack of physical activity, stress.
Hypertension is known as the “silent killer” because of the lack of pronounced symptoms, which increases the risk of serious health problems if not treated in time.
Therefore, doctors advise regularly measuring blood pressure at home to maintain good health. It will allow you to seek on-time professional medical help when needed.
Bearing this in mind, a good at-home digital blood pressure monitor is a vital tool. If you consider buying one, look into the following aspects: accuracy, data storage options, usability, readability of display, and special features.
Given these criteria, we recommend:
BLUEMED blood pressure monitor
The BLUEMED upper arm blood pressure monitor is a CE0413 certified medical device used to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate at home. It uses the oscillometric method of blood flow measurement.
– Positioning indicator means accurate results
The large upper arm cuff (22 to 32cm) is suitable for adults. With the indicator for proper placement of the cuff, you will always get accurate results. In case of poor positioning, an error message will appear inviting you to redo the taking.
– A large LED screen with a light indicator
When checking the results on the 63x82mm LED screen of the BLUEMED monitor, an indicator light will appear to make it easier for you. Without looking at the memory of the device, you will always know whether to stay calm: it will be green if your pressure is within the norm or red if you have low or high blood pressure.
– Two separate user-profiles – up to 90 results per user
Medical advice is to take your measurements regularly, and the BLUEMED blood pressure monitor provides storage of up to 90 results for two users. This way, you can provide doctors with a larger set of data for examining if needed. With continuous measurement, you will see certain factors that affect the level of your blood pressure, and avoid those that affect you badly.
– Energy-smart switching off
BLUEMED cuff monitor switches off automatically after 1 minute of inactivity, ready to be stored in its nice zipper case.
The well-known recommendations for getting an accurate reading of blood pressure are to be relaxed, not to talk, and not to strain while measuring. For the most accurate results, rest at least a few minutes before the measurement.
