Studies on patients who contracted the novel coronavirus have found out that older patients and people with a serious health condition are at high risk of developing severe symptoms of the COVID-19.

According to a report provided by the National Institute of Health in Italy on March 17, 99% of COVID-19 patients who lost their lives from the illness in the country had at least a pre-existing health condition.

These pre-existing health conditions include high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes, says an article.

76.1% of COVID-19 Patients with High Blood Pressure died from the illness. 

Almost half of the total US population is reported to have high blood pressure. It means that these people are at a higher risk of getting the severe symptoms of the COVID-19 if ever they get infected with the novel coronavirus.

Health experts are not sure the correlation between the high risk of death from the COVID-19 for patients with poor cardiovascular health. However, medical professionals believe that the strain to the lungs by the COVID-19 also causes difficulties in the proper functioning of the heart.

Also, people with poor heart health have weaker immune systems. The presence of the deadly virus on the arteries of these people pose negative effects, says the American Heart Association.

35.5% of the total COVID-19 patients in Italy who died from the disease had diabetes.

Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson had tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Also, they are both type 2 diabetics.

This condition may contribute to the worsening of the COVID-19 because some viruses tend to survive longer inside a patient's body, especially if they have higher blood glucose levels. Additionally, people who have diabetes have compromised immune systems, says Health.com.

20.3% of the total COVID-19 patients in Italy who died from the illness had active cancer in the past five years. 

The treatment used to cure cancer may not help protect a person from fighting the COVID-19. This means that the impairment of the respiratory system of a person makes them immunocompromised.

18% of the total COVID-19 patients who lost their lives in Italy had chronic kidney disease. 

A recommendation from the National Kidney Foundation says that COVID-19 patients with kidney disease should obey the same advice given to the general population. They are advised to stay at home, hand wash, and sanitize multiple surfaces. They are advised to keep essential medical supplies.  

Patients who need to undergo dialysis sessions should not miss their treatments. Those who feel ill should immediately inform their healthcare providers.

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13.2% of those with COVID-19 in Italy and died had suffered a lung disease. 

Individuals who are suffering from lung diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema have weaker lungs. They will have difficulty in fighting respiratory infections.

The COVID-19 attacks the lungs. It causes inflammation in the lining of the lungs and irritates nerves. The inflammation of air sacs can result in pneumonia. This happens when the lungs get filled with fluid.