Hypertension in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic: a Mini Review

Abstract

SARS-Cov-2 infection is the causal agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which has been characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). This disease has killed over 300,000 people worldwide as of May 15th, 2020 and it seems that underlying cardiovascular disease represents important comorbidity associated with clinical deterioration and adverse outcomes in COVID-19 individuals. Initial reports claimed that hypertension may be associated with increased risk of SARS-Cov-2 infection but it seems now that this relationship is rather confounded by older age and hypertension-related comorbidities. Moreover, despite the initial hypotheses linking RAAS blockers use with greater risk of SARS-Cov-2 infection and a more severe COVID-19 course, it is now known that there are no sound scientific data in humans in support of these. Major international scientific organizations unanimously recommend the continuation of RAAS blockers treatment in patients with compelling indications.