By: Dr. Sid Kolwankar, AVP – Clinical and Product, Wellthy Therapeutics

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has noted that elderly people and people with underlying chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, and cancer are at a higher risk for severe symptoms and complications if they were to contract the novel Coronavirus.

Infections like COVID-19 increase pressure on the heart and lungs to circulate blood and oxygen throughout the body. This could exacerbate issues in individuals where the heart is already under considerable stress. Patients with high cholesterol face the added complication where virus infections can destabilize plaques. This can potentially result in the blockage of an artery feeding blood to the heart which increases the risk of a heart attack.

It is important that people with chronic conditions focus on 2 levels. First, to keep their condition under control, and second – to take adequate precautions against the risk of infection. Start simple; follow your doctor’s advice. This means taking medicines on time and in the right doses, eating a balanced diet that is low in salt and limits pre-packaged foods.  

Precautions for people with Hypertension

• Regularly monitoring and recording blood pressure levels.
• Include immune-boosting, shelf-stable options like cereal, grains and dried fruits in your diet. They are also easier to stock up on for a few days 
• Get sufficient sleep and create an at-home circuit workout to stay active.
• De-stress by practicing simple exercises, meditation, and staying connected with friends and family over calls and social media.
• Take up therapeutic hobbies such as reading or gardening in the additional time at home to distract your mind.

In addition to these specific guidelines, follow basic hygiene and social distancing as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare mandate.

It may seem like a difficult task to keep a check on your condition while being unable to meet your doctor for consultations. This is where digital therapeutic interventions and remote health educators play an active role in providing home-based solutions. They offer clinically-validated, personalised support via a smartphone interface and help doctors make smarter clinical decisions based on the patient’s progress report. Ask your doctor about how you can stay better connected. Unless critically unwell, people with chronic diseases must avoid visiting hospitals or clinics as it can lead to a higher risk of exposing themselves to more illnesses.

Constant preventive care and a calm mind are the best tools to combat any kind of infections. We recommend to all our patients – stay fit, take adequate precautions and keep your immunity strong to stay protected!