Meta-analysis of hypertension as a comorbid condition of COVID-19 patients

• Main Authors: Majarais, Margerie Zia Sayo, Mala, Princess Janna Bandrang
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2021
• Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease); Comorbidity; Hypertension; Other Medical Sciences
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdb_bio/4; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1004&context=etdb_bio
• Institution: De La Salle University

Since the emergence of COVID-19, one of the factors that are being explored is its comorbidities. Hypertension is believed to be among these conditions; however, data and information are limited. This research investigates hypertension as a COVID-19 comorbid condition by assessing the prevalence of hypertension among COVID-19 patients and by analyzing the effect of hypertension on the severity and fatality thereof with the use of the meta-analysis tool, Review Manager 5.4.1. It was found in the 59 studies included that there are at least two (2) patients with hypertension in all cases, suggesting that hypertension is a common COVID-19 comorbid condition. Among COVID-19 patients with hypertension, it was found that there were more males than females. It was also revealed in the meta-analysis that COVID-19 patients with hypertension are 2.89 times more likely to develop a severe form of infection, and are likewise 3.42 times more likely to be a non-survivor. These findings suggest appropriate prioritization of hypertensive patients in terms of COVID-19 prevention and treatment measures. Given the limitations, it is recommended that in further studies, other comorbid conditions be explored and have the inclusion criteria and screening for studies be improved.