Even as dengue cases surge in India, experts are raising alarms over rising cases of high blood pressure levels among the patients. According to doctors, a cough, incessant sneezing, or a persistent fever – all the signs of dengue viral infection that leads to hypertension.

The rainy season has brought a huge number of mosquito-borne diseases spreading across cities like Kolkata, Ludhiana, Delhi, Noida, Dehradun etc. When not treated timely dengue fever can turn severe leading to hospitalization, extremely low platelet counts, or dengue hemorrhagic syndrome, etc. Doctors recommend those living with hypertension to remain extra careful and raise their safety guard to lower the risk of developing dengue fever.

Even though the exact mechanism that links hypertension to a higher risk of severe dengue is not well understood, there are a few plausible explanations, as given by experts.

Both hypertension and severe dengue involve the overactivation of the host immune system – leading to inflammation. According to studies, this pro-inflammatory state in hypertensive patients has been linked to vascular endothelium dysfunction – a condition where the cells lining blood vessels do not work properly, causing them to constrict instead of dilating. It leads to chronic chest pain and increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and coronary artery disease.

The condition causes heart health issues where vessels get constricted instead of opening up for proper pumping of the heart. This further leads to manifestations of severe dengue. Also, another possible link between severe dengue and hypertension is through their effects on the endothelial glycocalyx layer. Various animal and human studies have observed EG layer disruption in comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension.

A few lifestyle changes that you can help manage high blood pressure, include:

Even a small amount of physical activity can help, like walking for 10 minutes a day. You can also try to reduce the amount of time you spend each day.

Limit salt and increase potassium in your diet. Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and foods that are lower in fat. You can also try the DASH eating plan.

Losing weight can help lower blood pressure.

Doctors recommend quitting drinking alcohol to prevent high blood pressure

According to experts, you must aim for 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted and regulated sleep each night

Make sure to try to avoid stressful situations, like leaving for work early to avoid rush-hour traffic

Smoking increases your heart rate and blood pressure, so it is recommended to quit doing it

If you need to take medication, take it exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider