The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) on Wednesday urged Filipinos with hypertension and other heart diseases to get vaccinated against COVID-19 amid fears that it would be dangerous for them to be vaccinated against respiratory illness.
According to PHA President Dr. Orly Bugarin, there is no solid evidence that vaccination has adverse effects on those with high blood pressure.
“So talagang ine-encourage po natin ang ating mga kababayan na magpabakuna kahit kayo po kayo ay may cardiovascular diseases. Dapat lang po tayo ay controlled o iniinom natin ang ating medications,” said Bugarin during Laging Handa public briefing.
But medical experts advise those with hypertension to prepare a few weeks before getting vaccinated.
COVID-19 vaccines are not given to a patient if he or she has a blood pressure of more than 180/120 on the day of vaccination.
“Usually 2 to 4 weeks [before vaccination], sinisiguro nila na tine-take ang medications and see to it na ang blood pressure nila ay nasa 130/80 and below, para controlled. On the day of vaccination, dapat may baon rin silang gamot,” said neurologist Dr. Alejandro Diaz.
“Kapag ang blood pressure is 180/120 and above, teka muna. Hindi ka muna lalagyan [ng bakuna], painumin ka ng gamot, relax ka muna pero hindi ka dapat pauwiin,” he added.
Those with hypertension, heart disease urged to get vaccinated vs COVID-19
Diaz also has tips for hypertension management on the day of vaccination.
“Iwasan uminom ng para sa sipon, mga cold remedies. Kasi ‘yung cold remedies, pwedeng magpataas ng blood pressure. Iwasang magkape during that morning na magpapabakuna kayo,” the doctor said.
“Iwasan nyong mag-take ng pain relievers. Siguraduhin niyong bago kayo magpakuha ng bood pressure before your vaccination, naka-jingle na kayo o nakapag-CR muna kayo, dahil kung puno ang pantog niyo ay tataas din ang blood pressure niyo,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Raymund Paul Baello, a cardiologist discussed what should be included in your COVID-19 care package.
According to Baello, the bag should contain only medications for mild symptoms, such as the following:
- Paracetamol
- Loperamide (LBM drug)
- Anti-histamine (medicine for allergies)
- Medicine for cough