Being socially isolated could raise your blood pressure. People visiting emergency rooms after being isolated because of COVID restrictions had a 37% increased risk of having high blood pressure, according to a study of 12,241 patients presented at the 46th Argentine Congress of Cardiology.
"Admission to the emergency department during the mandatory social isolation period was linked with a 37% increase in the odds of having high blood pressure — even after taking into account age, gender, month, day and time of consultation and whether or not the patient arrived by ambulance," said study author Dr. Matías Fosco of Favaloro Foundation University Hospital, Buenos Aires.
In Argentina, mandatory social isolation due to the pandemic was implemented on March 20, 2020. People were told to stay at home unless they were essential workers. The general public could leave home only to buy food, medicine and cleaning supplies. Public events were cancelled and schools and universities closed.
Reasons for higher blood pressure readings could include stress, isolation or the exacerbation of financial or family difficulties, according to Dr. Fosco. “Changed behaviors may have played a role, with higher intake of food and alcohol, sedentary lifestyles and weight gain,” he said.
Source: Newswise November 19, 2020