CLEVELAND, Ohio - As researchers study coronavirus deaths, they’ve found hypertension could be one of the leading factors. Experts here say not to panic.

Hypertension affects about a third of the U.S. population and often is linked to other health problems, such as heart disease, the leading cause of death in U.S. adults.

The risk of high blood pressure increases as patients get older. Coronavirus has shown to cause more severe symptoms in the elderly, prompting many nursing homes to issue restrictions on visitors.

“I don’t think that there is a strong indication to immediately go out and get your blood pressure tested,” said Dr. Christopher Longenecker, an associate professor in Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine.

“However, as a preventive cardiologist, I think everybody should have their blood pressure checked. So it is a general good principle for people to have their blood pressure checked on a regular basis, whether there’s COVID-19 or not.”

A recent study published in peer-reviewed journal, Lancet, studied 191 patients in China. About 58, or 30 percent, had hypertension. But among the 54 who died from complications from coronavirus, 48 percent had hypertension, opposed to 23 percent in those who survived.

A top Chinese intensive care doctor told Bloomberg that of 170 patients who died in January in Wuhan, nearly half had hypertension, and anecdotally he said that he and other doctors have noticed hypertension is prevalent in those who die.

Dr. Amy Edwards, the associate medical director of pediatric infection control at University Hospitals’ Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, said it wouldn’t be surprising if high blood pressure were a major factor in the severity of coronavirus.

Health officials have said for months that underlying health problems like lung disease and heart disease would heighten symptoms of coronavirus. As more research emerges, health professionals and scientists will focus on what’s happening.

There is no proof yet that hypertension is an independent factor that causes severe complications from coronavirus, Edwards said.

The study has a small sample size, and did not control for other factors, such as diabetes and coronary artery disease or even age, she added. Neither the study or the comments seem to include a delineation between patients with uncontrolled and controlled blood pressure.

“(The) observation by a doctor, while helpful, is not scientific,” she wrote in an email. “We use observations such as that one to then do studies to evaluate whether the observation is true or not. The very short answer is that we just don’t know.”

Edwards also noted that in most patients, based on available data, symptoms tend to be mild, especially among younger people.

“Even most people with high blood pressure are going to still do just fine. But I think you know, people who have medical problems like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, just are going to need to take those extra precautions. Wash your hands more frequently. Stay away from sick people. You know, just be very careful.”

People with underlying conditions, including heart disease and hypertension, should consult with a doctor if they’re worried to prepare a plan, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Be sure to stock up on blood pressure medications and keep taking them as prescribed.

Read full recommendations from the CDC here.

Here are some of the highest-rated blood pressure monitors on Amazon. Please see the American Heart Association’s recommendations on taking your blood pressure at home and selecting a heart monitor, and if you have any doubts or questions, consult your doctor.

Voice audio verbally walks you through process ($34.99)

4.8-star budget monitor ($17.99)

Stores up to 120 readings ($25.99)

Large LCD display ($32.99)

Bluetooth connectivity ($39.95)

Designed for 2 users ($26.99)

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