Episode 2 preview: Why people with hypertension should be wary of viral respiratory infections

In the second episode of the ongoing podcast series, Know Plan Go: Protect Yourself from Respiratory Infections, by Gulf News in partnership with Pfizer, Dr Sara Abdelmgeed, a seasoned medical professional with over 11 years of clinical experience across Dubai and Egypt, discusses the connection between hypertension and the increased risks individuals face when dealing with severe viral respiratory infections.

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, can significantly weaken the immune system and compromise blood vessels, amplifying the challenges of combatting viral respiratory infections. In this episode, Dr Sarah breaks down different aspects of hypertension, highlighting its impact on blood vessels. She also discusses the ideal blood pressure readings and emphasises the need for consistent monitoring, especially at home, considering that over 40 per cent of hypertensive individuals might be unaware of their condition.

Due to the greater susceptibility of individuals with hypertension to complications from common colds and flu, Dr Sarah underscores the importance of seeking immediate medical attention in case of flu-like symptoms. “In the long term, hypertension will affect the wall of the blood vessels and it can lead to complications in different organs. It makes it a challenge for the immune system to fight and kill viruses. So, people with hypertension, especially those who have uncontrolled high blood pressure, are at high risk of getting complications and severe respiratory infections compared to those with normal blood pressure,” says Dr Sarah.

For further insights on managing viral respiratory infection risks for individuals with hypertension, tune into episode 2, Why people with hypertension should be wary of viral respiratory infections, wherever you get your podcasts. To delve deeper into this engaging vodcast series, visit www.gulfnews.com/know-plan-go