Why does high blood pressure increase risk from COVID-19?

A large proportion of patients who have died from the COVID-19 pandemic had a background of high blood pressure. In view of this observation, some authorities have billed high blood pressure as a major risk factor. This has caused a lot of concern amongst the millions of patients with high blood pressure about their risks. In this video i try and discuss this association in a bit more detail.

[@mkatalin09]

never ever someone gave a better explanation of blood presure ! Congrats dr.Sanjay and thank you for being there for us

[@govindaraji6396]

Dr. Can u please explain how a beta blocker lowers heart rate.

[@parralele401]

Listening to dr Sanjay lowers my blood pressure.

[@MrDavidsmit]

@@parralele401 I found what he said very reassuring

[@paperthinpizza]

@@govindaraji6396 Beta blockers knock out the atrioventricular node of the conduction system in the heart by decreasing calcium intake and by their negative dropotropic affects. The AV node is the main circuit breaker of the heart's electrical system and usually sets the heart rate at around 80 BPM. Sometimes there is an issue with the AV node creating types of arrhythmia, lucky for us we have kind of a backup generator in our hearts electrical system called the sinoatrial node. If the AV node is taken out the SA node will take over and it likes to set the heart rate at about 60 BPM. Since the AV node is now knocked out by the chemical affects of the Beta Blocker the SA node takes over preventing the previous arrhythmia that originated from the AV node. I should also mention that there are many reasons why the Cardiologist would like to see their patients at around 60 BPM so it doesn't have to be related to arrhythmia, sometimes they just want the patient to have a slower heart rate to let the heart rest more. Anything from heart failure to valvular disease. I encourage you to research the heart's conduction system.

[@TheTarasom]

Absolutely brilliant doctor. I highly recommend a consult with him. Done that and I feel more reassured. 🙏🙏🙏 I myself ,am grateful that a good doctor is there for all of us. His knowledge is going to become our empowerment .

[@pamelaatkinsonscats2873]

As someone with slightly raised blood pressure, I thank you for this explanation. I feel my numbers also read higher because of the anxiety of having my blood pressure taken and not being able to meet the required numbers.

[@AGTsakumis]

You are truly a wonderful communicator. May God continue to bless you and give you a long life to provide the world with your sensible advice. Thank you.

[@gauravstudd]

These type.of.doctors we need.....this man makes more sence when it comes to medical field. Thankyou for being so compassionate and for doing what all doctors shld be doing .......:)

[@sueebanks4950]

I love to listen to you. You not only have an array of knowledge but your Compassion, Care, Empathy & kindness for people really shines through. Thank you so much ☺️

[@mariaroqueta3135]

sue ebanks Well put...;) Dr Gupta is a true gem♥️

[@marziaserena4247]

Many thanks Doctor! A very clear explanation, confirming that sometimes we’re given medications which, as a matter of fact, we don’t need. I have borderline blood pressure, which fluctuates according to various factors, especially the level of stress/anxiety, but overall I consider myself an healthy person. In the past, I was prescribed diuretics tablets and I took them for sometimes. Then I decided to stop them and started taking only an herbal remedy. I thought it was a good idea not to overstimulate the kidneys by taking the diuretics and discontinued them completely, a couple years ago. I feel fine anyway. May I ask what is your name, Doctor? I thought it was Weywerd Saint and I read your comments on dr Campbell’s channel. Is that your name? Many thanks. Best wishes

[@MA_808]

I was suffering from HBP for the last year until I began to triple my water hydration. I now realize I barely drank enough water to keep my body going. With weight loss, more water and improved breathing the issue is not making me feel sick now.

[@telephassarose3501]

You have such a lovely voice! I wish you were my cardiologist.... You deserve the appreciation...we are genuinely grateful because your clarity & caring for us provides much needed reassurance- & this in itself reduces our anxiety. It helps us feel that we matter to someone, & aren’t going to be abandoned to fate. Many, many of us live alone, or are alone in life, & so need such anxiety allayed.

[@christinemccann8162]

I wish he was mine too.

[@AntidoteX2]

Your aim should be not to have a cardiologist.

[@christinemccann8162]

AntidoteX2 True. But not everyone with a heart condition. Sees a cardiologist. I don’t have a heart condition. However, if i ever need to see one for any reason, I hope they are like him. Not all doctors take the time out to explain to their patients. Don’t expect the 1hr explanation, but full info in a nutshell helps at times.

[@maureenflovers1331]

Thank you Dr Gupta for clearing up this stressful topic..l feel so much better now because you have explained it so well

[@telephassarose3501]

AntidoteX2 .That is not very helpful to someone with a genetic, inherited condition.

[@BellaKowalska]

Thank you for taking the time to explain, it’s greatly appreciated. I find most of the consultants I see don’t have the time to explain things fully in clinic, your channel is really super helpful and interesting. I follow your channel but don’t suffer with high blood pressure however I feel having a better understanding of your condition and what is going on gives comfort. Thank you again for your time and knowledge x

[@nwae8812]

A great explanation Sir! We down in New Zealand go into lock down midnight Wednesday. Your videos are very informative for those of us with high BP and heart conditions. Many thanks and hope you remain safe and well.🇳🇿🇬🇧

[@RajSinghKhalsa]

Thanks Doctor, I've had high blood pressure for 4 years and never truly understood it until now

[@tosca...]

Thank you from Australia. I am moving house in the middle of everything closing down. I have to say I have been feeling stressed. I have controlled high blood pressure but am otherwise fit and exercise daily. I have stopped watching television - I can't bear hearing endless covid-19 reports on the ABC (our BBC)! After a summer of fires (and loss of more than a billion animals, some endangered species), then floods, pestilence and now famine (supermarket shortages!), it feels like we are reverting to some version of our most ancient selves. And it's not always pretty. We've gone from the best of ourselves - and most of us are in this category, I'm sure - to survival of the fittest. This is indeed a very strange time. So, from so far, it has been reassuring to hear your talk. Thank you! Stay well, you are needed by many, although that's not why, I wish everyone stays well and we discover some new ways to be better humans. A tall order, but since this virus is turning everything on its head, we may as well demand the best of ourselves, our communities and, dare I say, our politicians. I think the latter will be the hardest ;) cheers :)

[@camelsheit_on_the_walls446]

Hey stranger, stay strong over there. There sure has been a lot to tackle lately in your country, the loss of wildlife hurts. Know something about having a stressful time, having been able to catch one of the last flights back to the country where I reside, etc. Many haven't and are stranded. There are countless of ways folks all over the world are having a hard time now. While the planet is having a much needed respite from much of mankind's pollution. I too hope we will somehow learn from this and discover ways of being better beings! And we all are in this together, just not too close together... Cheers!

[@joyceelmer2178]

Tosca My heart goes out to you 🙏🏼. Wishing and praying for all the best for you!

[@tosca...]

@@joyceelmer2178 Thank you, I didn't mean to imply I'm worse off than others, but really just to say it is such a strange time! Take care 😊

[@tosca...]

@@camelsheit_on_the_walls446 Isn't it peculiar that pollution is improved. It is in Sydney too. Well, I suppose there will be lots of roundabouts in all this. Every time I get in the car I hear amazing stories (I only listen to news when I'm in the car). Tonight I heard about Japanese elementary school kids who designed their own online assembly hall - all their own idea - and then proceeded to have their own online graduation ceremony, which are being otherwise cancelled. So they had to write a program! When I hear things like that I always feel so good about all that young kids will do in future.

[@camelsheit_on_the_walls446]

@@tosca... Indeed. It does good to hear about the positive things coming out of this, and that there are many brilliant young brains up for the challenge. And the cleaner air practically everywhere. This alone ought to be enough to make even some climate change deniers, those who stubbornly insist that the actions of man do not affect the planet in any way, come to their senses. While we are better off isolating ourselves against the virus, our planet certainly seems to be better off, being for now somewhat isolated against us. Now if only we, and yeah especially politicians, will use this chance to learn, and act. Be well! 💖⚡🌼⚡💚

[@drnicki1772]

Much appreciated for your presentation in this hard time when everyone is worried about Covid-19. May God bless you and your family.

[@clairerosey9921]

Thank you for addressing this. As a front line worker I’m finding my health was causing me more anxiety as not only my blood pressure go up but my BPM has done too. I’ve developed a sensitivity to Amlodipine so I’m being transitioned onto a Beta Blocker. It was quite scary for me that I was seemingly out of control. Thanks again x

[@LaRoucheisright]

Beta Blocker just as bad for me. The solution which is guaranteed is to achieve metabolic flexibility, or put another way ability to utilize fat as a preferred fuel for energy, of nutritional ketosis.

[@donaldreed1344]

Thanks Doc as a 65 year ole guy with HBP makes it a less stressful Time after hearing this keep up the great work 👍

[@jamescrashley2263]

Excellent video, got diagnosed with LVH 2-3 years ago, now high blood pressure is surfacing, recent blood pressure reading of 154/100. Been referred to cardiologist again. 42 years old. Also have non diabetic hypoglycaemia, lowest reading 1.9mmol! Vague diagnosis of reactive hypoglycaemia! Sleep apnoea also present and managed with CPAP.

[@flauwegeit]

Very useful ! No this was not too complicated at all because you avoided scholarly language. You explained things my doc was unable to such as the bloodshot eyes and the proteins in urine, Extremely helpful ! >< As far as the level of difficulty you can even take it up a notch for me

[@tesscook1]

As someone with HBP "numbers", I appreciate your time to give us this thorough, yet understandable talk on the risk of COVID 19 and HBP. I believe your assessment of the risk factors-and as someone without the micro and macro processes you speak of- it is now one less thing to worry about with the pandemic. Thank you, Dr. Gupta!

[@farlonblogg9260]

Thank you for your information, it clarifies the subject perfectly. Thank you also for being there for everyone at this very difficult time, your patients are very lucky to have you xx

[@raydaley2597]

Thank you Doctor for the best explanation of high blood pressure I’ve heard from any doctor that I have experienced, and I have had many. You are truly a blessing to your profession. 🙏🏻

[@violetabaubliene390]

Dear doctor, you are best in the world I've heard talking about heart issues ever. Thanks a lot for educating to understand what is going on in one's heart. Especially nowadays when it's a lot of stress and fear around.

[@carolynwilson2243]

Violeta Baub

[@orlandostuart5805]

This is the best explanation of HBP I’ve ever heard (including your previous explanations). Thank You and Congratulations!

[@Davetg01]

Thankyou again Dr. That was a great help as I have high BP, my Dr said "I must have naturally high BP" I didn't know what he meant until I listened to your explanation. Take care.

[@oussamakhemir7550]

Thank you from Paris. I have been diagnosed with sever high blood pressure since the age of 21. I am 33 now in good health, doing sport and eating healthy. I think all what are you explaining is so true.

[@Roy-xe9is]

Thank you doctor. I always test high--white coat syndrome, and am totally freaked out about covid. On the oximeter my Oxygen absorption is 99 to 100%, and my resting pulse is around 55. I am 50 and in generally good health: yoga, vegetarian. Your videos decrease my blood pressure. I do not want to die alone in a hospital because humans are cruel to animals. Bless you. Namaste.

[@suzannw9098]

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to explain this to us. Keep healthy and rest when you can

[@nikkipower8698]

Thank you for answering this question,for giving your time,sharing your knowledge and all you do.Please stay safe and well.

[@shahaye]

Thank you so much for this has I have been so concern since last night about being at higher risk because of my blood pressure.

[@pinkplum3379]

Thank you💐I appreciate how you take time to explain fully what a diagnosis means and how it applies to the individual and not so much to a group. It’s difficult to get doctors to do this at appointments, but I can understand why because of their case load. This was very helpful.

[@Dcenteio]

I am so glad to hear you say what you did about blood pressure. I read something to that effect years ago, and that even heredity can be a factor. Mine has been somewhat higher than the norm several years but I have no heart, artery, etc issues at all. Both my parents families are very long lived. Yet I have to take the BP meds in order to pass certain required physical exams for licensing.

[@rachelgarcia672]

I have high blood pressure and Im glad to see you trying to address this issue as it pertains to the covid-19.. very informative!

[@dianerosegrecoallen4935]

yes and kidney disease related to diabetes: we all age differently depending on many factors

[@TheBigPud1]

Just wanted to thank you for your recent videos especially regarding COVID-19 in patients with POTS and now this one. It is so helpful to have our concerns specifically addressed with these fairly rare conditions at this time. Thank you for your caring nature and thorough approach in helping your patients, both virtual and in person. It is greatly appreciated. Keep safe Dr Gupta.

[@thecornedbeefcouncil9792]

Thank you for this explanation. The recent paper published in the Lancet regarding a possible link between ACE Inhibitors and more severe disease does still concern me however everything you say in this video also makes perfect sense. Stay healthy.

[@hezelgee6012]

Dear Dr. Sanjay! You have made the BP issue wonderfully clear! Thank you so much for using your God-given intelligence to think your own logical thoughts and share them with us. You just made my day and reduced the stress which elevates everyone's BP! Stay safe, live long and prosper in health, peace and happiness, 👍🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@CarnivoreKirk]

Thanks Doc. That was highly reassuring. I really appreciate the balance too often lacking on this subject. Medicine is losing it’s beautiful art behind arbitrary science.

[@turtledove6645]

Thank you for your easy to understand explanation for us laypeople. You Doctors deserve medals. We need you so I hope you and your colleagues stay safe and well so you can continue your work for many years. Regard from Australia. 🙂

[@dianacooke7743]

Thanks for sharing and giving a better understanding. Praying for you and everyone in healthcare, it's appreciated. God bless!

[@cherylwilliams7215]

I have high blood pressure but when ever my cardiologist check all my test comes back normal

[@coraluru3091]

Cheryl Williams this happens to my husband. They have recently started testing his kidneys after 10 years of trying everything heart related. 🤷‍♀️

[@Riley42-03]

Me too

[@maureenflovers1331]

Hi Cheryl Williams..my friend is also named Cheryl Williams ☺..l happened to have experienced the same outcome..heart rate was normal and kidneys were normal ..but l "suffer" from high blood pressure..they stress me out whenever l have to go for check-up..and of course my blood pressure will naturally increase

[@cherylwilliams7215]

Maureen Flovers yes it’s crazy just the thought of going there everything is up lol

[@dannymeyer3256]

@@maureenflovers1331 Same I get stress going always worry about numbers not being right. The A1C numbers are never right bt other tests were ok. In Canada the numbers are different for measuring.

[@ImplyDods]

Yet another example of correlation and not causation. Just the same as 'cholesterol' is correlated with heart disease.

[@justcruisin109]

Thank you for your contribution to us in the form of improving our understanding. As someone whose numbers are over “the number” but fortunately without diabetes, obesity or any other issues, I assume my doctor prescribed the medication to prevent future damage. Your comments on the muscular heart were interesting. I would have thought exercise was intended to strengthen the heart but I suppose there are limits after which the effects aren’t beneficial. Thanks and best wishes to you and your family.

[@SEW_B]

Dr. Sanjay, your explanation was easy to understand. Thank you, as always, for sharing your knowledge and wisdom with us. I also listen to Dr. John Bergman. He has spoken on high blood pressure, as well. You both are in agreement.

[@zackab33]

My blood pressure went down just by listening to your explanation. Thank you DR and keep safe

[@mikebevington8632]

Thank you very much for your concern about our welfare. We all appreciate you , also all the other health professionals who are working tirelessly to deal with this Coronavirus epidemic.

[@janl5342]

Thank YOU so much for the clear understandable information you provide. I sent your video to my friends and family who have non-standard blood pressure numbers. Thank you so much, knowledge and understanding during these times is priceless.

[@jonb6417]

Interesting - thanks Doctor. Everytime I have a test, my BP is high - sometimes very high. Yet each time I go on a 24 hour BP test, although it spikes up and falls down a couple of times, the average works out perfectly normal. My ECG is also normal. Nobody seems to be able to explain all this. It doesn't worry me unduly, as I'm fit and healthy and happy, but sometimes it comes into my mind as a slight concern.

[@bassoprimo]

"White Coat Hypertension" perhaps? I also find my BP takes a long time to "settle" and when taken by my Doctor as soon as I walk in the room, it is *much* higher than it would be in just 5 or 10 minutes time!

[@jonb6417]

@@bassoprimo Exactly! I think you may be right - some of us just don't like being "tested" perhaps?

[@annAdafc]

How r u feeling now

[@jonb4020]

@@annAdafc Fine thanks. No change! 😊

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

Jon, no ones BP stays static, it changes all the time. I bought a monitor for BP, brand is OMRON, cost about 60 bucks. My white coat syndrome went away after repeated usages as I calmed down at the the mere idea of testing. It records all past readings and averages them out. It made me pay more attention to what I eat and how much I move (exercise). That alone proved to be quite beneficial. I just walk a lot and cut out almost all carbs and went from 210 over 100 to 126 over 77 in mere months. I also cut out all alcohol. I’m 67. Also lost 45 lbs in 6 months. I think the main thing was cutting out the processed food, sugar and starches.

[@Mary-rg4tl]

Yes! Very useful! Not complex at all. Excellent explanation! Thank you for all that you do! You are a Godsent 🙏😎✌

[@richards5883]

Thank you for giving a clear, understandable explanation of BP in relation to risk profile for Covid 19. Very much appreciated!

[@edgywagy145]

Thank you for continuing educating us on all this topics. Kudos !

[@theexiles100]

Not at all too complicated, very well explianed I thought. Thank you for taking the time.

[@melissa6535]

U are so awesome.. I wish every doctor was like u 🥰

[@glendagreen1036]

Thank you for the real explanation on high blood pressure for older adults most doctors don't mention the facts that you did, God bless you and please keep us older people informed in plain English.

[@WendyMoule]

This is the best explanation I've ever heard about how to see if your BP is high for you. Thank you.

[@ellengauthier2078]

You are a sweetheart....thankyou for explaining bp issues so wonderfully and concisely...your compassion really shines through!

[@lisaknottsberryfan7982]

Thank you Doctor. I have a question seven weeks ago I had open heart surgery I had my ascending aorta replaced and a Valve because Of an aneurysm. I’m on lisinopril and Korg for my blood pressure and I have mild asthma. I still have a Small cough left over from the anesthesia that’s getting less every day. I realize I’m high risk but is there evidence out there that I have even a chance to make it if I get the virus. I am being very careful but wanted to know just in case thank you so much for your time.

[@catherineesam691]

Thank you Dr. Sanjay. You gave a complete and simplified explanation of high blood pressure and it’s possible connection to COVID-19!

[@jackiejackson8484]

The best cardiologist ever

[@jeffturner8927]

Thank you Sanjay. Very informative. All the best!

[@josephusotuma25]

This is very educative. I know a close friend who is diabetic/hypertensive and was told that he falls within the Risk sector.

[@azofa2012]

Thanks .you are a hero!. great info, I got high blood pressure, but drinking loads of celery juice and also lemon...hope it works.. been doing this for the last 4 weeks.. greetings from Spain,.

[@bohdan774]

Excellent, useful information. Thanks a lot. I am 82 and have had variable and elecated b/p a lot of the time, for many years. But here I am, in decent shape for my age.

[@BobDiaz123]

Thank you, I feel so much better after watching this. Six months ago I made a major lifestyle change, I gave up processed food and switched to a more healthier food. In addition I lost weight (55 pounds) using Intermittent Fasting and a low carb diet. Add to that I started to exercise by walking. However, all these changes were overshadowed by the fear that my high blood pressure was a major risk. I guess it's to be expected for someone in their late 60s and maybe things aren't as bad for me as it first seemed. Thanks!!!

[@jameshaydon2362]

When my GP takes my blood pressure he tells me it's very high and puts me on tablets to lower it. All I get after a week or so is increasing pain in my lower joints ie hips legs and eventually my spine, after six weeks I can hardly sleep or get out of bed I am in so much pain. I stopped taking them and am fine again but my GP isn't happy. When I take tablets I get to the stage where I wish I were dead so he can stick em where the sun don't shine and I will take my chances thank you very much. This cardiologist talks a lot of sense I wish he was my doctor.

[@karl343]

I've the same issue mate, the doctor in the hospital told me I had no heart disease, yet my GP put me on blood pressure tablets, the side effects are awful. I get that stinging down the back of my legs, dizziness, lightheadedness, flu like symptoms, insomnia, stomach problems. I'm only on them about six weeks, strongly thinking about stopping. Did you just stop cold turkey, or did you reduce the amount you were taking before stopping?

[@andrewparry814]

Such amazing ability to bring clarity to complex science. You should be on BBC.

[@haec_est_vita_mea]

Thanks for your thought-provoking video! I hope a systematic method of determining personalized blood pressure normalcy ranges may be discovered soon. And please be safe during this pandemic season!

[@mallikasundaraj3439]

🙏It is awesome that u did appreciate my comment and a big thank u. Every video of yours shows ur clear understanding of our varied problems, providing prompt counsel. God bless u DR

[@susiealavi1425]

Thank you for your very thorough and simplified explanation.

[@caldwelljackson933]

Thanks for the plain language explanation. I think alot of people feel better after hearing your thoughts on this.

[@opal777]

I wish that I had seen this explanation of high bp about 5 years ago when my gp insisted that I start taking meds for it...because since that point in time, I was (and sometimes still am) on a roller coaster ride from bad reactions to the medications. Looking back with 20:20 hindsight, I didn’t have high bp. I recently had all of the things mentioned in this video evaluated... and I am healthy in those areas. Personally, I think my initial “high” bp numbers were due to pain that I had been enduring and had become so accustomed to that I didn’t address it. I have since addressed it, my pain is gone, bp is down, and I have lost 30 pounds because I can move again. And the “fix” was so simple. I now take collagen. I had no idea how much pain I was in until it went away. I had been trying out veganism at the time. This is what is wrong when physicians treat symptoms instead of looking at the entire picture. We are all pretty much lab rats in their guessing game... and I have a good doctor. I am not putting him down....but it’s the way that they are trained to do things. As a teacher, I used to not only look at a student’s grade... but at as much of his/her life that I could grasp in order to see why they thought the way that they did. But even teachers no longer have the time to do this. It is all so sad.🙄

[@sweetpeace5]

Izzaboutchu! 💯 Spot-on. Isn’t it crazy how much more complex it all really is than one simple high blood pressure reading & you’re walking out of the docs with Rx for blood pressure meds. And then when those cause side effects, you’ll get another Rx. I stay off ALL MEDS. Address nutrition & exercise along with sleep quality & stress reduction (meditation/yoga/breathing exercise) Doctors are trained to write prescriptions (BigPharma) know nothing about nutrition & break the body down by symptoms. The whole thing is a shit-show.

[@HumbleD50]

Subscribed.Good luck with your channel.

[@johnstanton8499]

Thank you so much Please could you mention if medicines that dry your mucus membranes as a side effect ,affect the prognosis, Ie tamsulosin ,Candesartan, amlodipine etc?

[@robertmiller2872]

Since you mentioned nothing about ACE inhibitors being a catalyst for the virus (as you did in your last video), I assume there's nothing to worry about. I just hope you are right.

[@LokeshGidra]

Sir please make a video on impact of high fat diet (like keto) on CVD, hypertension etc.

[@shashimoghe3920]

Thanks dr gupta sir for explaining the CORONA vs high blood pressure relationship 24/03/2020

[@charlesjensen7918]

Another very well presented explanation for us all. Thank You Sir. CMJ Canada

[@janetbice6920]

Once again your explanations of all things cardiology and more, are wonderful, helpful, easy to understand and I am very grateful. Thank you for giving your expertise and time to these video’s

[@98greenp]

Thanks for the advice and for all that you and your colleagues are doing to help us all. Stay safe.

[@ladygoddess9360]

A millions thanks; You have clearly explained BP and have put my mind at rest! You are a wonderful doctor!!!

[@45von]

Thank you Dr. for yet another informative video clip... BTW I really like the wall paper print on the room you have been doing these.

[@miraforeman7567]

Thank you, well explained. I’ve learned today more than I knew yesterday. I wish you are my doc.

[@diannesease5881]

Thank you for all that you do in presenting these videos. You do such a good job of explaining complex information. Thanks for the reassurance at this very difficult and scary time.

[@SM-fb1bb]

I wish you were my cardiologist :-) !Thank you!

[@valerieobrien5521]

Beautifully spoken, I love his manner. He is delightful !

[@johaunZ]

This makes so much sense!! Thank you!

[@carocharlton]

Thank you, that was very clear and helpful. Stay safe and well Dr Sanjay.

[@helmfer]

I had three consecutive subconjunctival hemorrhage and that's how I discovered I had hight blood pressure. I still have not tried to take any medicine and I'm trying to lower by change in my life style. Your advices are very helpful.

[@MrScotch16]

Thanks for this discussion. I had asked a few mds and they believed it must be due to comorbidities.

[@TheJust22az]

Thanks so much for this video. You just reduced my stress level significantly. For some time now I have feared I would need to go on some low dose meds. I am in the age group where this is an issue. I am quite healthy otherwise, watching what I eat, regularly exercising and trying to get sufficient sleep. Two thumbs up.

[@annAdafc]

How r u feeling now?

[@michellespeert7524]

Thank you Dr Gupta! You are the best!!

[@geoffpater]

Very Interesting, thanks . You mention e.g. the fine vessels in kidneys as a risk point and I would consider other fine vessels particularly in the lungs . I am a post graduate biologist though cardiology was not my area of study. If I look at an NHS site on pneumonia ( a common feature of Coronavirus deaths ) www.nhs.uk/conditions/Pneumonia/ . We note the early description as " pneumonia is swelling (inflammation) of the tissue in one or both lungs " . Hence the worldwide need for many more ventilators . The tiny alveoli being inflamed in pneumonia are the interface with the blood to exchange oxygen and are now a weak point, in an engineering sense , perhaps an underlying higher blood pressure is now too much for the weakened interface thus contributing to inflammation / rupture / fluid leaking into the lungs and other effects.

[@mellyz601]

I had an aortic valve replacement operation on 2017 and I have asthma. Am I in high risk of dying on covid 19? My chest feels hurt recently I am afraid to go to hospital or doctor now even I feel bad.

[@cirilonavarrodelgado2034]

Tanks for your help, good bles you: from Tijuana, México

[@luckydubefan808]

We're those patients with HBP taking prescribed drugs? Because maybe it's those drugs that kept them from recovering. How did those drugs contribute to these deaths.

[@IndianSummer20]

Very wise words. You are a wise Doctor. Thanks!

[@merene51]

Thank you so much Dr Sanjay Gupta.. stay safe and God bless you and your family always ..

[@diogenes9524]

Most interesting perspective as always, and the sincere but informal delivery inspires confidence, thank you. If appropriate, could you please outline any causative link between AF, and Covid? Many thanks.

[@mariavasquez5781]

Thanks a Million! Doctor for the information I really & truly appreciate you. Thanks again.!!

[@dinhnguyen2110]

Doctor Sanjay, could high blood pressure be acting like an additional inflammatory response in a situation where there is already an abundance of inflammatory response? I'm an engineer that works with a lot of pneumatic actuated equipment. Blood pressure is, in essence, the amount of force our pressurized system (of blood) exerts on our blood vessel walls (like my pressure gages indicate how much force is acting on the walls of my hoses). The "hose" has to be up to the task of dealing with this mechanical force, right? How well does it do when it's up against a war on two fronts. One, there is an inflammatory response that is our immune system trying to fight the virus. Two, there is the virus damaging the lung tissue. Seems to me these forces could all act at the same spot. Do we see rupturing at the alveolar sacs in fatal cases or something like that? That also explains why everyone's blood pressure has variability in its "safe" values. We all have a different quality of "hose" based on environment and genetics. So some would deal with fluctuations better than others.

[@joywalsh6012]

A very good explanation of high blood pressure, thank you. It immediately worried me when I heard it was related to Covid19 deaths. You have put my mind at ease but I will continue to be safe during this dreadful disease. Thank you again and to all health care providers.

[@leebcarrascoza1966]

Thank you, its all said by others, wish you were my specialist.

[@coratheexplorer1824]

I am surprised you still have time to vlog, eventhough your very very busy. Thank you for your time Dr. God bless you and protect you always.