Keep a check on your BP: Dr Ankur Ahuja: Term it dealing with job-related stress, relationship woes, struggles of life or financial constraints, in our bid to achieve perfection at everything, we end up burdening ourselves.
We let go of the needs of our body and mind and this invariably leads to lifestyle disorders including hypertension.
Hypertension or high blood pressure (BP) – commonly termed as the ‘silent killer’— poses a great risk for heart attack (myocardial infarction), stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, peripheral arterial disease and aortic dissection, said Dr. Ankur Ahuja, MD, DM- Cardiology, Senior Consultant- Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Mohali on the occasion of World Hypertension Day.
Statistics
Statistics reveal prevalence of hypertension is rising fast among Indians and affects nearly 25-30% of the population. As per a study conducted by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD), high blood was responsible for 16 lakh deaths in 2016. Women are more likely to have high blood pressure as they get older, as per Dr Ahuja.
Factors
A host of factors – genetic, sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, faulty eating habits such as high salt-diet, drinking and smoking, are largely responsible for it. Hypertension largely goes undetected and silently progresses over the years before complications manifest and lead to its diagnosis, the doctor explains.
Keep a tab
Dr. Ahuja advised that one should get their BP checked every few years, even if one is asymptomatic. Though the mercury sphygmomanometer is the most conventional form to check BP, owing to its deficiencies and safety issues, automatic BP monitoring has now become the most preferred choice. Further, 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring — multiple automated measurement over a day – is being increasingly recommended.
Remedy
Following a healthy lifestyle can prevent and control hypertension to a large extent, said Dr. Ahuja. He suggested, one should consume a balanced diet which includes vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes and lean proteins, especially fish. Cut down on salt intake, avoid smoking and drinking. One also needs to avoid processed meats and undertake aerobic exercises like walking, running, badminton, swimming. Keep a watch on your weight too. If changes to lifestyle still don’t yield the desired result, one needs to take medication as per doctor’s advice. Often multiple medications are required to control BP to an optimal level.
Know More About Fortis Healthcare
Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Group Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 36 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), 4000 operational beds, and over 400 diagnostics centres (including JVs).
Fortis is present in India, United Arab Emirates (UAE) & Sri Lanka. The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with global major and parent company, IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence.
Fortis employs 23,000 people (including SRL) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.