Evidence of a Blood Pressure Reduction During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Associated Lockdown Period: Insights from e-Health Data

Abstract

Background:Despite widespread investigation into the incidence of acute myocardial infarction during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and associated lockdown, no study has examined the situation's impact on blood pressure (BP) levels. Methods:Measurements of BP and heart rate (HR) were obtained from persons living in the Paris urban area using connected home BP monitors (accessible to patients and health providers through a secured server). Three time periods of e-health recordings were compared: during the pandemic before the lockdown, during the lockdown, and the same time period in 2019. Results:A total of 297,089 BP recordings from 2,273 participants (age 56.3 ± 12.8 years, 81.1% male) were made. During confinement, systolic BP gradually decreased by 3 mmHg (−2.4 to −3.9), and diastolic BP by 1.5 mmHg (−1.4 to −2.2) (all p < 0.001); this decrease was greater for participants with higher BP (p < 0.0001 each). No significant variation in HR was noted. Conclusion:Among a very large cohort, we observed a significant decrease in home BP measured with e-health devices during the first lockdown period. This study emphasizes the research potential of e-health during the COVID-19 crisis.