Relation between Hypertension and Severity of COVID-19 Infection

Export Objective: There have been several studies conducted to investigate the relationship between hypertension and the severity of COVID-19 infection. Based on the available evidence, it appears that individuals with hypertension may be at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms and complications from COVID-19. This study seeks to investigate whether the history of hypertension can predict mortality in hospitalized individuals. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted from March 2021 to March 2022 in Al-Imamain Al-Kadhimain Medical City and in Dar Al-Salam 1 Field Hospital. One hundred patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 were included in this research. Fifty patients with hypertension and 50 patients without hypertension were selected by convenience for this study. Asymptomatic carriers, pregnant women, and patients with underlying comorbidities such as asthma, COPD, and lung fibrosis were excluded from the study. Results: The mean age of the participants was 63.1±10.4 years. Males constituted 62% of the total. Dyspnea, cough, and fever were the most common presentations observed in this study. The incidence of respiratory failure and death in the hypertensive group was significantly higher than in the non-hypertensive group. After adjustment for age, sex, and co-morbidities, hypertension was found to be an independent factor increasing the likelihood of death in COVID-19-infected patients (OR=4.4, P-value=0.001). Use of ACEI or ARBs did not influence mortality (OR=5.03, P-value=0.08). Conclusions: In conclusion, the history of hypertension in patients infected with COVID-19 can be considered an independent factor for mortality and poor outcomes in hospitalized individuals.