Prevalence of hypertension among those in the age group of 15-25 years has gone up to alarming levels due to changed life style, said Dr. Deepak Chaturvedi on World Hypertension Day here on Sunday.
Two children out of ten are found suffering from hyper tension. The cut throat competition and consumption of frequent junk food is reason behind the hypertension in children and youths.
Dr Chaturvedi said, "Over the last few years, the prevalence of hypertension in India has increased. This could be attributed to lack of exercise, diet rich in fat and salt, obesity, increased level of stress, increased incidence of smoking and alcohol consumption etc."
While hypertension was previously associated with people over 40, it has now started affecting even those in their late 20s and 30s.
The interaction with media persons was aimed at spreading awareness among the masses towards the hypertension and ways to live healthy life with by avoiding hypertension.
lifestyle changes are important to control hypertension. He advised regular exercise at least five days a week, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts; low salt diet, which is restricted to less than 6 gms/ day. It should ideally be low in fat and rich in fibre. Keeping weight in check and completely giving up smoking and reducing alchohol consumption are the ways to avoid hypertension risk.