Viruses get inside our cells by latching onto specific proteins on the cell surface. In the case of COVID-19, the virus latches onto a protein that normally controls blood pressure. In fact, common blood pressure medications increase the level of this protein that COVID-19 needs. This has led to speculation that people who take blood pressure medications may be more susceptible to COVID-19. But according to a new evidence review in CJASN, led by Dr. Swapnil Hiremath, there are no robust data to back this up, and nobody should change their blood pressure medication because of fear of COVID-19 at this time. That being said, a full answer to this question will require more research. To provide the medical community with the latest evidence on this topic, Dr. Hiremath’s team created a page on the NephJC website that is updated in real time based on the latest research and recommendations from professional societies.   

Authors:  Matthew A. Sparks, Andrew South, Paul Welling,J. Matt Luther, Jordana Cohen, James Brian Byrd, Louise M. Burrell, Daniel Batlle, Laurie Tomlinson, Vivek Bhalla, Michelle N. Rheault, María José Soler, Sundar Swaminathan, Swapnil Hiremath 

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