Recent studies have revealed that high blood pressure medicines might prevent the effects of COVID-19, protecting patients from getting severely ill. These studies come as positive news for millions of patients that suffer from high blood pressure.

According to reliable sources, the research was mainly centered around angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Both these treatments are effective for diabetes patients that are looking to protect their kidneys.

Apparently, ARBs include losartan and valsartan, meanwhile, ACE inhibitors include the like of lisinopril and ramipril. The three studies conducted can be found in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).

Each of these studies reviewed the records of thousands of patients that are currently either consuming or used to consume these medicines. Researchers further tested whether these patients contracted COVID-19 and, if yes, then how did the disease progress in their body.

Researchers later turned towards statistical methods to identify other factors such as underlying health issues that might make people vulnerable to COVID-19 or any other chronic infection.

Speaking on the development, Harmony Reynolds, Researcher, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, said that the group didn’t see any difference in the possibility of a positive test with both angiotensin receptor blockers and ACE inhibitors. For the record, Reynolds has led one of the three studies that involved nearly 12,600 people.

However, all three studies were ‘observational’, where researchers only analyzed the effect of a risk factor. This mode of investigation is often considered to be weaker to ‘experimental’ where an intervention added in with control.

After getting several queries from worried patients about the continuation of their medicines, Reynolds said that these findings come as relieving news for many. The news also comes at a pivotal time when several patients are facing high blood pressure due to the lockdown scenario where exercise routines and eating habits have been altered.

Source Credit: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/08/23/blood-pressure-drugs-may-protect-against-covid-19-effects/