High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the fastest growing serious health problems globally. Millions of people are diagnosed with high blood pressure every year in all countries of the world, including India. Speaking in the context of India, experts advise everyone to beware of this growing danger.
If we look at the data we find that about 33% of the urban population and 25% of the rural population is hypertensive.
One in ten people in rural areas and one in five in urban population are able to control the problem of blood pressure. The serious thing is that 60-70% of people do not even know that they are suffering from hypertension until the problem worsens.
World Hypertension Day is celebrated on May 17 every year to raise awareness about this rapidly growing global disease. According to health experts, the problem of hypertension can affect anyone from adults to the elderly, in such a situation it is very important for everyone to know about it and take preventive measures. Let us know in detail about the symptoms, causes and prevention of hypertension in the following slides.
Problems with high blood pressure
According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure is a condition of prolonged increase in blood pressure against the arterial walls. Blood pressure levels are determined based on how much blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in the arteries. The narrower the arteries and the more blood is pumped through your heart, the higher the blood pressure. 120/80 mmHg blood pressure level is considered normal.
Everyone needs to know why blood pressure rises. Age, family history, lifestyle-eating disorders, obesity, high sodium intake and habits such as alcohol-smoking are known to be the main causes.
Some people may have high blood pressure due to an underlying health condition. Problems such as kidney diseases, adrenal gland tumors, (congenital) defects in blood vessels, overdose of certain drugs are also believed to be responsible.
Most people with high blood pressure show no signs at first, although blood pressure readings may increase. While some people may experience a variety of problems in the event of an increase in blood pressure levels, it is important to be aware.
Chronic high blood pressure exacerbates the complications of atherosclerosis. In this, plaque builds up on the walls of the blood vessels, increasing the narrowing of the arteries.
High blood pressure is a lifelong problem. As for its treatment, it needs to focus on control. Lifestyle changes can help control and regulate high blood pressure. However, for people whose blood pressure remains very high and cannot be controlled with common remedies, doctors may prescribe medications to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Keep in mind, do not stop taking these medicines yourself without consulting a doctor. This can lead to a sudden rise in blood pressure and, in severe cases, a risk of heart attack. Along with medications, special attention needs to be paid to measures to control blood pressure.
Bleeding can be controlled by making lifestyle and dietary changes. People whose blood pressure is often elevated or who are at high risk should be careful to keep their diet low in sodium. Excessive intake of sodium can increase blood pressure.
Apart from this people who drink more alcohol are also more prone to it, these things should be avoided altogether. Studies show that regular exercise can help control blood pressure.
