Hypertension is an important public health problem in India. Modern epidepic and a silent killer, in fact, hypertension is the most prevalent chronic disease in India. Epidemiological studies show a steadily increasing trend in hypertension prevalence over the last 50 years converse to findings from developed countries where there has been a significant decline. Over 140 million people are believed to be suffering from high blood pressure in our country and the number is expected to cross the 214 million mark in 2030. A WHO estimate in 2012 suggested 23 per cent men and 22 per cent women older than 25 years had hypertension in India.
High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, occurs when blood flows through the arteries at a higher pressure than normal. Increased blood pressure is a high-risk condition that causes approximately 51 per cent deaths from stroke and 45 per cent from coronary artery disease in India. It is a major risk factor for cardio-vascular diseases that killed 2.7 million people in 2004 and will result in the death of over 4 million people by 2030. Hypertension or elevated blood pressure can’t be taken lightly. It can, over a period of time, wreak havoc with one’s system. It increases a person’s risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and even blindness. The increase in hypertension is related to rising population-mean systolic blood pressure and is associated with escalating hypertension risk factors like sedentary lifestyle, psychosocial stress, salt and alcohol consumption and obesity. Recent studies show that for every known person with hypertension there are two persons with either undiagnosed hypertension or pre-hypertension. There are several ways to prevent high blood pressure through lifestyle change.
Weight management
Excess weight leads to high blood pressure. The overweight body requires extra blood to pass through the vessels, causing a buildup of pressure. This pressure forces the heart to work harder than normal.
Exercise regularly
Daily physical activity not only helps to reduce excess weight but also lowers blood pressure. Regular exercise reduces blood pressure because it stimulates the release of a chemical in the body called nitric oxide, which helps to keep the blood vessels open for blood flow. Exercise also gets the heart pumping, strengthening the cardiovascular system. Daily exercise recommendations can include light walking or more intense exercise such as weight training and aerobics.
Eat healthy
A diet rich in whole grains and low in fat aids in managing blood pressure. Reducing intake of saturated fats and avoiding fried foods. Read food labels for nutrition information which will aid in forming healthy eating habits.
Reduce salt, alcohol and smoking
Too much daily intake of sodium is a culprit for high blood pressure. Patients should substitute salt with spices such as garlic and pepper. Alcohol raises blood pressure by reducing the flow of nutrient-rich blood to the heart. Smoking tobacco products also raises blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels.
The writer is chief interventional cardiologist & chairman, Metro Group of Hospitals, Noida