Hypertension as an Underlying Disorder in Fatal Cases of Swine Flu in Thailand: An Observation

Hypertension as an Underlying Disorder in Fatal Cases of Swine Flu in Thailand: An ObservationTo the Editor: Swine flu is currently a major world-wide problem. 1 This emerging disease can lead to fatal outcomes.A clinical relationship between hypertension and swine flu has never been reported.This report provides the observation that hypertension can be an underlying disorder in fatal cases of swine flu.According to the official report the Thai CDC of 165 fatal cases of swine flu in Thailand (September 30, 2009), 43.6% of patients had underlying hypertension.It should be noted that the prevalence of hypertension among the fatal cases of swine flu is similar to that of diabetes mellitus, a confirmed underlying disorder that relates to fatality in swine flu. 2 Of interest, hypertension is a condition that often co-presents with other underlying disorders and risk factors as well as diabetes mellitus. 2,3Further studies to assess the possible effect of hypertension on outcomes in swine flu are recommended.