NewZNew (Gurgaon) : Hypertension is a rampant yet underestimated health disorder in India. Despite being a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease as well as serious complications of diabetes, people do not consider high blood pressure a serious concern.
As we observe World Hypertension Day, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon conducted a free blood pressure and sugar check up camp in the city to educate people about the need to know your blood pressure and take corrective measures if needed.
Dr Tapan Ghosh, Head & Director to Cardiology , Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon in association with Rotary Club of Delhi Vasant Kunj held an awareness camps at two places in Delhi NCR. In the morning, he visited Vatika Park,C Block, Vasant Kunj to interact with people wheras in the afternoon, he held a special health camp at Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon here he educated patients about the threats untreated hypertension can cause.
Blood is carried from the heart to all parts of the body through blood vessels. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as it is pumped by the heart. The higher the pressure the harder the heart has to pump. Hypertension or raised blood pressure is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure.
Hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease. But, its health implications go much beyond the heart. Hypertension also causes stroke, can cause damage to kidneys, vision loss and in diabetics it can magnify risk of serious complications associated with diabetes.
Despite being a major threat to health, hypertension is not recognized as such by the people. Many people continue to live with elevated blood pressure levels for years until a heart attack of stroke jolts them. Since hypertension does not manifest any symptoms in most cases, many people do not get their blood pressure levels checked regularly.
If people become alert and conscious about hypertension and adopt preventive measures in their daily lives, it can dramatically reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases.
“Hypertension is a major concern globally. But, developed countries have recognized this evil and taken remedial public health measures to control it. Authorities in western countries are now advocating low salt foods, and ensuring that people get their blood pressures regularly checked, among other things. In low and middle income countries such as India, this health concern is yet to be recognized for what it is. It is extremely important to educate people about the perils of having high blood pressure. Even relatively young people today are experiencing hypertension due to lifestyle factors such as lack of physical activity, consumption of high salt processed foods and high mental stress levels,” said Dr Tapan Ghosh, Head & Director to Cardiology , Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon.
The health camp not only conducted free blood pressure and blood sugar checks among people, but also educated people about prevention and management. Raised blood pressure is a serious warning sign that significant lifestyle changes are urgently needed. People need to know why raised blood pressure is dangerous, and how to take steps to control it.
“High blood pressure and diabetes is a dangerous combo. When these two conditions appear together, they can multiply health risks and can increase chances of morbidity or disability. It is also important to educate people about following doctor’s advice completely when it comes to hypertension and not skipping or discontinuing medication mid-way. Also crucial is to make necessary lifestyle changes such as exercising, reducing intake of salt, avoiding smoke and alcohol and eating a balanced diet,” adds Dr Ghosh.
Untreated hypertension can cause heart attack, stroke or kidney failure. Preventing hypertension can save major financial and physical costs that a patient would incur sue to interventions like cardiac bypass surgery or dialysis.
