COVID-19 and Hypertension: A Mini-Review of Their Mutual Effect

Cases of Coronavirus disease are rapidly increasing across the world. Hypertension is the commonest co-morbidity among COVID-19 infected patients and hypertension is one of the determinants of severity of COVID-19.COVID -19 virus uses ACE-2 as an entry receptor and ACE-2 plays a vital role in blood pressure control in an individual. Certain antihypertensive medications may affect ACE-2 level and hence COVID-19 pathogenesis. At present, while the worlds focus is on the COVID-19, there is a danger that management of other illnesses like hypertension might be overlooked. It is highly recommended to take antihypertensive medications as directed and following healthy lifestyle practices like regular exercise, consuming low salt heart-healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and reducing stress, and practicing mindfulness even during this pandemic.