A REVIEW ON SUSCEPTIBILITY OF HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS TOWARDS COVID-19: LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION FOR BETTERMENT AND CONTROL

Hypertension is a major global health challenge due to its prevalence and increased risk of cardiovascular disorder. Non-pharmacological intervention or lifestyle modification is a safer option to control blood pressure and shows effective results in regulating high blood pressure. In this review, we have described the pathophysiology of a hypertensive patient infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and functioning Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor during novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We summarized that article with the statement that hypertensive patients are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 not because they are taking ACE inhibitor drugs that regulate blood pressure and blocks angiotensin II-induced inflammation and tissue damage. Still, chronic drug intake makes their body weak to get infected with SARS-CoV-2 due to compromised immunity. Thus, lifestyle modification by taking healthy diet, regular, precise exercise, reducing stress, avoidance of salt intake, involvement of green leafy vegetables rich in potassium should be included in the meals, drinking of enough water (3-4 liters/day) daily, limitation in consumption of alcohol and caffeine make effectively control blood pressure with maintaining the required vigor of the body.