Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 2, 2025
Setup of Consumer Wearable Devices for Exposure and Health Monitoring in Population Studies
Published on: February 3, 2023
Evidence of a Blood Pressure Reduction During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Associated Lockdown Period: Insights from
Nicolas Girerd1,2,3, Christophe Meune4, Kevin Duarte5
1Lorraine University, School of Medicine, Clinical Investigation Center, Heart and Vessels Institute of Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France.
Insights
During the COVID-19 lockdown, a significant decrease in blood pressure (BP) was observed in Paris residents using home monitoring devices. This highlights the value of e-health in tracking health during crises.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Digital Health
Background:
- Limited research exists on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns on blood pressure (BP) levels.
- Previous studies focused on acute myocardial infarction incidence, neglecting BP monitoring during this period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) levels.
- To assess the utility of e-health devices for remote patient monitoring during a public health crisis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized connected home BP monitors for data collection in the Paris urban area.
- Compared BP and HR recordings from three periods: pre-lockdown, lockdown, and the same period in 2019.
- Analyzed 297,089 BP recordings from 2,273 participants.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in systolic BP (3 mmHg) and diastolic BP (1.5 mmHg) was observed during the lockdown (p < 0.001).
- The BP reduction was more pronounced in participants with higher baseline BP.
- No significant changes in heart rate (HR) were detected.
Conclusions:
- The first COVID-19 lockdown was associated with a significant reduction in home blood pressure measurements.
- E-health technologies offer valuable potential for health research and monitoring during public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abstract:
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. 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. 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. 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.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
01:17Measurement of Blood Pressure
01:30Alterations in Blood Pressure
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart...
01:28Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
01:25Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring
Several factors...
01:10Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure