High blood pressure can go undetected for years. Dubbed the “silent killer”, hypertension hardly shows any signs, but there are symptoms to look out for.
Professor Fei Li observed 3,000 patients admitted to a Wuhan hospital between February and March.
His observations identified that nearly half of patients who died from Covid-19 had high blood pressure.
He stated that people with hypertension need to “realise that they are at increased risk of dying from Covid-19”.
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This statement is echoed by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), who said: “A diagnosis of high blood pressure (hypertension) is linked to a higher risk of serious illness from Covid-19.”
Those with the condition are considered “high risk” and are encouraged to stridently follow social distancing guidelines.
The BHF added: “You can reduce your chances of getting coronavirus by staying at home where you can.”
Usually, hypertension is diagnosed in the doctor’s office using a sphygmomanometer.
But lookout for the following signs that may signal the health condition.
For example, be aware of any severe headaches that you may suffer from.
Another possible symptom of hypertension includes fatigue or confusion.
Moreover, some people may experience vision problems, chest pain or difficulty breathing.
Another sign of the condition can be an irregular heartbeat, or pounding in the chest, neck or ears.
One other alarming signal of hypertension is blood in the urine.
Do note if you have any of the symptoms outlined above and make a call to your doctors.
Some pharmacies offer blood pressure readings, so it may be worthwhile finding out if your nearest pharmacy offers this service.
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Alternatively, blood pressure monitors can be ordered in local pharmacies and larger supermarkets.
The BHF advises people to choose one that measures your blood pressure at your upper arm.
How to measure your blood pressure at home
For an accurate reading, it’s imperative you’re resting and feeling relaxed.
Sat upright in a chair, with feet firmly flat on the floor, you can begin to set up the device.
Place the cuff over the upper arm, and tighten it until you can only fit two fingers underneath the cuff.
Make sure to have relaxed hands (no clenched fists) and turn the device on.
The inflatable cuff will squeeze against your upper arm, but once it’s done you’ll get a reading.
High blood pressure is classified as a reading of 140/90mmHg or above.
Place the cuff over the upper arm, and tighten it until you can only fit two fingers underneath the cuff.
Make sure to have relaxed hands (no clenched fists) and turn the device on.
The inflatable cuff will squeeze against your upper arm, but once it’s done you’ll get a reading.
High blood pressure is classified as a reading of 140/90mmHg or above.
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