COVID-19 disease easily attacks people who have a weak immune system and high blood pressure, especially people who suffer from chronic diseases. Their immune system is weak, so their body becomes unable to deal with viral infections and they eventuaJakarta (ANTARA) - People who suffer from uncontrolled diseases, including hypertension, are vulnerable to COVID-19, according to Badai Bhatara Tiksnadi, a heart and blood vessel specialist from the Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University.
"COVID-19 disease easily attacks people who have a weak immune system and high blood pressure, especially people who suffer from chronic diseases. Their immune system is weak, so their body becomes unable to deal with viral infections and they eventually contract COVID-19," he said at a health webinar here on Thursday.
Data from the COVID-19 task force shows that out of around every 1400 COVID-19 patients, as many as 50 percent have hypertension, he noted. Hypertension patients can become comorbid sufferers in COVID-19 cases, followed by people suffering from obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, he said.
Patients whose blood pressure is not controlled or not treated are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 with more severe symptoms and complications compared to those whose blood pressure is under control, he stated.
A fairly high morbidity and mortality rate has been reported among COVID-19 patients who also suffer from hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, kidney problems, and obesity, he pointed out.
"Based on monitoring and data, people in this population will experience worsening of conditions more quickly. Data from China, (shows the deterioration of condition) will be 2.7 times higher in patients who have risk factors for obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. The more risk factors they have, the higher the chance of death. They are also likely to need up to 2 times more breathing aids," said Tiksnadi, who is also serving at the Regional General Hospital Dr. Hasan Sadikin, Bandung.
Hence, hypertensive patients infected with COVID-19 must continue to take medicines as recommended by their doctors and try to control their hypertension and strictly implement the 5M health protocols, that is wear masks, wash hands regularly, maintain distance, reduce mobility, and keep away from crowds, he advised.
Hypertensive patients can get vaccinated if their blood pressure reading is below 180/110 mmHg, they are in a stable condition, and they do not show any symptoms of illness, he said.
While a blood pressure reading of above 140/90 mmHg is defined as hypertension, the condition often goes unnoticed initially due to lack of symptoms, he pointed out.
The disease only shows symptoms after attacking important organs, such as the brain, heart, and blood vessels, he added.
To prevent hypertension, people must adopt a healthy lifestyle, he advised.
"Prevention efforts are important. These efforts are not only for our own sake, because if we have a stroke, then our children and families will also suffer. If we have a fatal heart attack, and suddenly die, then who will make a living? Therefore, prevention efforts are very important," said Tiksnadi. (INE)
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Translator: Lia Wanadriani Santosa, Katria
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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