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- High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Researchers say that in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, blood pressure increased dramatically, especially among women.
- They say higher stress levels, a decrease in healthy eating, and a reduction in exercise were among the factors.
- Experts say it’s important to make wise food choices and spend time in physical activity while dealing with the added stress and lifestyle restrictions brought on by the pandemic.
If there have been times when you have felt your blood pressure rise during the COVID-19 pandemic, it might not have been your imagination.
New research indicates that adults in the United States have had higher than normal blood pressure since the start of the pandemic, and the resulting shutdowns and lifestyle changes have become a way of life.
Women have been particularly affected.
The
Quest measured the blood pressure of participants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia for 3 years, from 2018 to 2020.
Researchers from Quest and the Center for Blood Pressure Disorders at the Cleveland Clinic reported that blood pressure readings from April to December 2020 were significantly higher compared to those in 2019.
The mean increases ranged from 1.1 to 2.5 mm Hg for systolic blood pressure and 0.14 to 0.53 mm Hg for diastolic blood pressure.
While increases were seen in all age groups for women and men, the largest increases were seen for women.
“We have seen more pronounced increases in blood pressure in women,” said Dr Luc Laffin, Co-Director of the Center for Blood Pressure Disorders at the Cleveland Clinic, told CNN.
“Now we don’t know the exact reason for this. However, we do know and there is data to suggest that the pandemic has tended to place an inordinate burden on women, especially working women, and this is an employer sponsored wellness program ” , did he declare.
Arterial hypertension increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in American adults.
The researchers wrote that the increases they saw could be significant.
Dr. Tadwalkar rigged, a certified cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., told Healthline that weight gain – usually a cause of high blood pressure – did not appear to be factored into the study’s findings.
“The most likely culprit during the pandemic is emotional stress, resulting mainly from dramatic changes in routines, and worry about not knowing what the future may hold,” Tadwalkar said.
“Corresponding changes in eating habits, including an increase in alcohol consumption, are certainly contributing to this,” he added. “Physical activity has also declined for many, which is a known indirect cause of hypertension.”
Tadwalkar told Healthline that there is evidence that people are not taking prescribed medications during the pandemic, “which means that many people with a pre-existing diagnosis of hypertension may not be on an optimal medication regimen, which causes a greater increase in blood pressure “.
Heather hanks, nutritionist and medical advisor specializing in the management of autoimmunity and chronic diseases to Medical solutions in Barcelona, told Healthline it’s not just happening in the United States.
Hanks has noticed surges in blood pressure in her clients during the pandemic which she attributes to stress and poor nutrition.
“A lot of my clients work from home and try to wear multiple hats,” Hanks said. “Moms try to work from home while helping kids with virtual school. They have few outlets for stress, limited social interactions, and access to food throughout the day.
“I coach my clients on healthy snacking habits, which includes eating three balanced meals a day,” Hanks said. “If you need to snack, make sure your snacks come from healthy sources, such as fruits and vegetables, healthy dips, air popcorn, and raw nuts.”
Hanks said exercise is important for healthy blood pressure, something that hasn’t been easy during the pandemic.
“I also help my clients review their schedules to adjust to exercise. These changes can help reduce high blood pressure,” Hanks said. “For many women, this may force them to seek help from their partner or ask for flexibility from their employer.”
“Asking for help is difficult for women, but since heart disease is one of the leading killers of women, it is absolutely necessary to put your health first,” she added.
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Sources 2/ https://www.healthline.com/health-news/covid-19-pandemic-has-caused-a-rise-in-blood-pressure-especially-for-women The mention sources can contact us to remove/changing this article |
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