Even as dengue cases are rising across various parts of the country, people living with comorbidities like hypertension have become more prone to contracting the infection and vice versa. Dengue can also be deadly for people already having high blood pressure. Read on to know ways to manage the condition.
Doctors recommend those living with hypertension to remain extra careful and raise their safety guard
Even as dengue cases surge in India, experts are raising alarms over rising cases of high blood pressure levels among the patients. According to doctors, a cough, incessant sneezing, or a persistent fever – all the signs of dengue viral infection that leads to hypertension.
The rainy season has brought a huge number of mosquito-borne diseases spreading across cities like Kolkata, Ludhiana, Delhi, Noida, Dehradun etc. When not treated timely dengue fever can turn severe leading to hospitalization, extremely low platelet counts, or dengue hemorrhagic syndrome, etc. Doctors recommend those living with hypertension to remain extra careful and raise their safety guard to lower the risk of developing dengue fever.
How does dengue raise blood pressure levels?
Even though the exact mechanism that links hypertension to a higher risk of severe dengue is not well understood, there are a few plausible explanations, as given by experts.
Both hypertension and severe dengue involve the overactivation of the host immune system – leading to inflammation. According to studies, this pro-inflammatory state in hypertensive patients has been linked to vascular endothelium dysfunction – a condition where the cells lining blood vessels do not work properly, causing them to constrict instead of dilating. It leads to chronic chest pain and increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and coronary artery disease.
The condition causes heart health issues where vessels get constricted instead of opening up for proper pumping of the heart. This further leads to manifestations of severe dengue. Also, another possible link between severe dengue and hypertension is through their effects on the endothelial glycocalyx layer. Various animal and human studies have observed EG layer disruption in comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension.
Ways to manage hypertension
A few lifestyle changes that you can help manage high blood pressure, include:
Even a small amount of physical activity can help, like walking for 10 minutes a day. You can also try to reduce the amount of time you spend each day.
Limit salt and increase potassium in your diet. Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and foods that are lower in fat. You can also try the DASH eating plan.
Maintain a healthy weight
Losing weight can help lower blood pressure.
Doctors recommend quitting drinking alcohol to prevent high blood pressure
According to experts, you must aim for 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted and regulated sleep each night
Make sure to try to avoid stressful situations, like leaving for work early to avoid rush-hour traffic
Smoking increases your heart rate and blood pressure, so it is recommended to quit doing it
If you need to take medication, take it exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider
Rohit Malhotra is a medical expert and health journalist who offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. His articles aim to help readers lead healthier lives.
