High Blood Pressure and COVID-19: Are You At Risk?

While opinions are flying about COVID-19, and data seems to be hard to believe (because everything keeps changing), there are certainly lessons to be learned – and precautions to be taken – especially if you suffer with hypertension.

To quote the American College of Cardiology (ACC), “Initial reports from COVID-19 hot spots, including Wuhan, Lombardy, and New York City, identified higher rates of hypertension among severely ill, hospitalized COVID-19 patients. A large US study of 5,700 hospitalized patients revealed an overall hypertension rate of 56%, similar to hypertension rates reported from China and Italy (50% and 49%, respectively).”

But what does that mean for you?

Initial reports have suggested, and on-going data has confirmed, that there is certainly a link between the two. But, a deeper look into the connection shows a more colorful relationship.

Dr. Zach Bush, MD, in a recent interview, gives a shocking and counterintuitive opinion. Bush contends that hypertension does not put a person at higher risk for the coronavirus. In fact, he argues, it is the antihypertensive medication that puts a person at greater risk; not the condition itself. The use of antihypertensive medication, he argues, is connected to the heightened risk associated with high blood pressure.

“We know that any form of coronavirus, including SARS, MERS, and even the common cold, binds to receptors on the lungs referred to as ‘ACE-2.’ [Surprisingly,] COPD is one of the only respiratory conditions that is linked to higher risk; all the rest are vascular, such as cardiovascular disease, renal disease, etc.

“If you look at the comorbidities that people are dying from and their relationship to the ACE-2, it gets interesting.

“ACE-2 levels go up naturally in lung tissue from things such as damage from emphysema or COPD, but not in cardiovascular conditions, until you add two drugs. When you add a Statin drug, suddenly the whole system upregulates ACE receptors. Then, [physicians] add an ACE inhibitor … which is our leading, number one recommendation from all medical societies. (In fact, [a doctor] can get sued for malpractice if [he/she] doesn’t have a person on this drug.) Then, for a patient who doesn’t tolerate an ACE inhibitor (the most common side effect is a cough) … they end up on an ARB (angio-tensive reception blocker) , which, again, upregulates the ACE-2 levels.

“So, now ACE-inhibitors and ARBs are seen as being a major risk factor for death from COVID-19.”

And, if all of the science seems confusing, you may ask, “What does all of that mean in plain English?”

Net in effect, it isn’t the hypertension that is causing the risk; it is it the medication.

Lower your blood pressure without medication

Like so many things we have been taught to believe (and just accept as true), the cure, in this case, seems to be worse than the disease.

But there’s hope for those individuals who are looking for a way to keep their hypertension under control without the effects (and risks) of antihypertension medication.

While diet and exercise are certainly an integral part of any healthy lifestyle, there are others out there who promote the use of biofeedback and other “biohacking” solutions. People like Dave Asprey, of Bulletproof Executive.

Asprey, who is coined the “Father of Biohacking,” is an expert on health and healing – but all by using the body’s own natural defenses to do so.

In his book Super Human, Asprey talks about hypertension being one of the four prominent causes of death in humans. He writes:

“To help with cardiovascular issues, try the Zona Plus, a digitally controlled handheld device that uses the science behind isometric exercise to increase both vascular flexibility (thus decreasing blood pressure ) and the production and flow of nitric oxide throughout the body, which is linked to treating various cardiovascular conditions, erectile dysfunction, and muscle fatigue. It’s a cool biohack for anyone who wants to improve their cardiovascular health.”

A little more research shows that the Zona Plus enjoys substantial scientific support and has been favorable reviewed by prominent doctors and physicians. Without medication, it can help you achieve lower blood pressure 100% naturally, without any side effects. Only 12 minutes a day, 5 times a week can change your life.

Any alternative to hypertensive medication is a win, but this is sheer genius.

For a closer look at the Zona Plus (and other treatments for hypertension), we encourage a visit to www.zona.com. Use coupon code “ZACH” for an additional 10% off your sale