Dr. Bob Walker on COVID-19 and Heart Health

Nearly 120 million adults in the United States are living with high blood pressure and, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, half of them are unaware of their condition.

“Only about a quarter of the population living with high blood pressure has it under control,” according to the researchers. “This is important in the context of COVID-19 because research shows that adults with poorly controlled high blood pressure are at increased risk for hospitalization and other severe consequences, such as being admitted to an [intensive care unit] and/or needing mechanical ventilation.”

Informing patients of the importance of COVID-19 vaccination is essential, as research shows vaccination can help prevent serious illness and lower the risk of major adverse cardiac events.

“As we continue adjusting our lives to stay healthy, we should remember to consider how COVID-19 vaccination can help us protect ourselves in the final stretch of winter,” the researchers concluded. 

Dr. Bob Walker, senior vice president and chief medical officer at Novavax, joins DocWire News to offer important insights about this latest study and share a helpful tip to stay heart healthy during Heart Month and all year long.

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