Vascular effects of SARS-COV-2 infection and long term impact on hypertension

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The COVID-19 pandemic represents one of the biggest medical challenges of the modern era, and whilst it mainly affects the lungs, it has been shown that it can impact other parts of the body including the heart and blood vessels.

Previous studies have demonstrated that people with underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure, may be vulnerable to particularly severe cases of COVID, and other data suggests that COVID may also make high blood pressure worse.

This project aimed to explore the relationship between COVID and high blood pressure. The team examined data from patients in West Scotland, as well as taking measurements from people who had had COVID. This allowed them to establish that people who had been infected with COVID were up to three times more likely to experience major cardiovascular issues within five years, as well as demonstrating that COVID patients could experience ongoing issues with their blood vessels and high blood pressure up to a year post infection.

Combined, these results highlighted the importance of monitoring patients after a COVID infection, including regular blood pressure checks. The team also identified that certain blood pressure medications could potentially help prevent complications from COVID, though this finding requires further study.

Additionally, the project, in using a machine learning programme to tailor care to specific patients, demonstrated the benefit of personalised medicine in ensuring the best outcomes.

The results for this study are awaiting review for publication, and it is hoped that they may be able to influence changes in policy for monitoring post-COVID.