Question:

What is the link between COVID and hypertension?

Am I at an increased risk for COVID-19 if I have high blood pressure?

Answer:

by Alex Postalian, MD

Hypertension is a very common condition. The effect of hypertension alone on COVID-19 severity is not particularly well understood. However, people who have hypertension may also suffer from other conditions, like renal disease or heart failure, which may increase their likelihood of having a severe bout of COVID. Of note, the risk of becoming infected does not appear to be significantly higher just because you have high blood pressure.