New Study Reveals COVID-19 Linked to Higher Incidence of Persistent Hypertension compared to Influenza
Recent findings from a study published in Hypertension indicate that COVID-19 patients are more likely to develop new-onset persistent hypertension compared to those with influenza. The study, conducted by Vincent Zhang and colleagues from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York, focused on over 45,000 COVID-19 patients and 13,000 influenza patients without a history of hypertension.
The researchers discovered that hospitalized COVID-19 patients experienced new-onset persistent hypertension in 20.6% of cases, while nonhospitalized patients experienced it in 10.85% of cases. Interestingly, there was no significant variation in the incidence of persistent hypertension among hospitalized COVID-19 patients throughout the pandemic. Among nonhospitalized patients, however, the incidence decreased from 20% in March 2020 to approximately 10% in October 2020 before plateauing.
Compared to individuals with influenza, both hospitalized and nonhospitalized COVID-19 patients were found to be more likely to develop persistent hypertension. Specifically, hospitalized patients were 2.23 times more likely, while nonhospitalized patients were 1.52 times more likely to develop this condition. The study also identified several factors associated with a higher risk of persistent hypertension, including older age, male gender, preexisting comorbidities, and treatment with pressor or corticosteroid medications.
Remarkably, mathematical models were able to predict the occurrence of persistent hypertension with an accuracy rate ranging from 79% to 86%. The alarming results of this study indicate that due to the large number of people affected by COVID-19 compared to influenza, a significant public health burden may arise if more individuals develop high blood pressure in the future.
Tim Q. Duong, Ph.D., senior author and also from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, expressed concern about the potential impact of these statistics. Duong stated, Given the sheer number of people affected by COVID-19 compared to influenza, these statistics are alarming and suggest that many more patients will likely develop high blood pressure in the future, which may present a major public health burden.
As researchers continue to unravel the long-term effects of COVID-19, this study sheds light on an important health issue that warrants further investigation. Understanding the increased risk of persistent hypertension associated with the virus can assist healthcare professionals in providing appropriate care and interventions for patients recovering from COVID-19.
In conclusion, this study provides evidence that COVID-19 is linked to a higher incidence of new-onset persistent hypertension compared to influenza. The findings emphasize the need for continued monitoring and management of blood pressure in COVID-19 patients, especially those with additional risk factors. Further research is necessary to fully comprehend the implications of these findings and develop strategies for addressing the potential public health burden associated with persistent hypertension among COVID-19 survivors.
