Long COVID Linked to Higher Risk of High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure: The Link to Chronic COVID Becomes Clearer

Long-term effects of coronavirus infection significantly impact heart and blood vessel health. Previous studies highlighted increased cardiac disease risk in people with residual symptoms. This new study adds a new dimension: elevated risk of developing hypertension. This risk was identified even in individuals who suffered a mild form of the illness, without hospitalization.

The analysis relied on data from the MIRACLE-S cohort. It includes over 1.2 million adults from Stockholm County. Ages ranged from 18 to 65. Researchers excluded those with prior hypertension diagnoses. They also excluded those hospitalized due to COVID-19. This focused the study on long-term blood pressure effects in milder cases. Between October 2020 and January 2025, 8,365 participants (0.7% of the total) were diagnosed with chronic COVID. During the follow-up period, 18% of all participants developed hypertension. In the group with residual symptoms, incidence was between 22% and 23%.

After adjusting for variables like age, socioeconomic status, and comorbidities, a clear difference emerged. A separate analysis by sex showed similar risk between women and men. However, among those with chronic COVID, hypertension appeared in 16% of women and 24% of men. The link between chronic COVID and high blood pressure was more pronounced in older age groups. This is logical. Aging causes physiological changes in the cardiovascular system. Arteries become rigid. The heart must work harder to pump blood.

The connection was also stronger in people with pre-existing diabetes. This suggests that chronic COVID, hypertension, and diabetes share overlapping cardiometabolic mechanisms. While these findings need confirmation in future studies, several interconnected mechanisms may explain this association. Prior studies showed that in healthy adults, a coronavirus infection can compromise arterial function. It can alter blood pressure for up to three years. These physiological changes provide a plausible explanation for the observed link in this study.

However, because the research was observational, it

However, because the research was observational, it was not possible to directly measure factors like actual blood pressure values or arterial stiffness. The study also lacked information on treatments initiated during follow-up. These treatments could have influenced blood pressure. It is essential that future research better adjusts for these factors. This will help understand the connection between chronic COVID and hypertension more deeply.

Despite these limitations, the results have important implications for clinical practice. Hypertension remains a key modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Understanding this elevated risk offers an opportunity for early intervention. This helps prevent complications. The data suggest that people with residual symptoms should undergo more frequent blood pressure checks. This is especially true if they have other cardiovascular risk factors. It remains to be determined whether an intensified screening strategy improves clinical outcomes.

As our understanding of coronavirus deepens, it becomes increasingly evident that its health impact can persist long after the initial infection. This has implications not just for heart health, but also for managing many chronic diseases. The authors declare that they do not work for, consult for, hold shares in, or receive funding from any company or organization that could benefit from this article. They have no other relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointments.