COVID and hypertension: what should you know?

Hypertension is often a long-term condition without noticeable symptoms. COVID-19 may cause fever, cough, fatigue, breathlessness or reduced appetite, and being acutely unwell can make routine blood-pressure management harder. A single home reading during fever, pain, stress or dehydration may not reflect your usual control.

Do not assume that hypertension caused a new COVID-19 symptom. Your overall risk depends on factors such as age, other health conditions and the severity of the infection. Conditions linked with long-standing high blood pressure include heart failure, chronic kidney disease and stroke, but these are not inevitable outcomes.

Keep taking prescribed blood-pressure medicines unless a clinician tells you to stop. Rest, drink fluids as tolerated, and check your pressure in a calm setting if you normally monitor it. Keep a record of readings, symptoms and any non-prescription medicines you use; some cold remedies may be unsuitable for people with hypertension.

Contact your healthcare team early if COVID-19 symptoms begin, especially if you have several medical conditions or take regular medicines. Ask before changing doses or using anti-inflammatory or decongestant products.

Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, persistent chest pressure, fainting, new confusion, one-sided weakness, trouble speaking, or a sudden severe headache. Seek prompt advice for repeated very high readings with symptoms, inability to keep fluids down, or worsening breathlessness.

Ask which medicines to continue during fever or poor eating, which over-the-counter products to avoid, how often to check your pressure, and what reading or symptom should trigger urgent contact.