World Hypertension Day: Beware of the Silent Killer Warns Health Expert
Every year, 17th May is celebrated as ‘World Hypertension Day’ by medical fraternity across the World with an objective to increase awareness about the early diagnosis and management of Hypertension amongst masses. This year’s theme is ‘Measure your BP accurately, control it and live longer’
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a silent killer and a harbinger of many adverse events. It considerably increases the years lost to disability and lack of productive life. Hypertension is prevalent in nearly 25% of the Indian population and the figures are even worrisome in the younger age group between 18 to 25 years said Dr R Naveen Raja, Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Mehta Hospital. The undiagnosed and untreated population are more likely to develop a multitude of deleterious effects, which starts as blood vessel remodelling and culminates in heart attacks, stroke and kidney diseases added Dr R Naveen Raja
Halting this continuum begins with active screening of the population for th e presence of hypertension, ensu ring adequate control with the use of wid ely available drugs and by adopting strict life style modifications like salt restricted diet, regular exercise at least 30 to 40 minutes a day, avoidance of day to day stress in life. There are plenty of evidences to suggest that the risk factors and hypertension per se may have an onset during chil dhood. Hence, avoidance of risk factors for hypertension like weight gain, smoking and alcohol and inculcating good habits like regular exercise, eating vege tables and fruits should start at childhood added Dr R Naveen Raja
Patients who have uncontrolled hypertension can develop cardiac pro ble ms which can aggravate the COVID 19 related complications hence home BP monitoring and complying to regular Antihypertensive medications are pivotal in these pandemic times said, Dr R Naveen Raja
Just by increasing the awareness of hypertension in 15% of the population, the disease burden can be conside rably decreased. So, measure your blood pressure accurately, control it and live longer.
