To reduce the risk of heart disease, people of all ages have been advised to maintain healthy lifestyles and diets. Apart from this, it is also considered necessary to keep checking blood pressure and cholesterol regularly. But the things that have come to light in the recent report are worrying in many ways.

A recent report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has expressed concern over the lack of awareness among people about blood pressure in the country. Experts reported that about 30% of individuals in the 18-54 age group in India have never got their blood pressure checked.

In states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Nagaland, people are not aware of checking blood pressure. It is noteworthy that uncontrolled blood pressure has been considered a major risk factor for heart disease - heart attack and stroke. Health experts say that everyone should keep taking blood pressure readings regularly, even if they have not had any blood pressure problems.

Low awareness is being seen in many states
The study, published in the International Journal of Public Health (IJPH), revealed that people are more aware of the need for regular blood pressure checks in the southern states of the country where on average 76% of the population had their blood pressure measured at least once. Whereas people of Central and North India do not pay any attention to this need. Health experts say these findings of the study focus on individual awareness regarding health.

Regular blood pressure checks are important, especially among young adults, whose incidence of heart attacks has been rising rapidly in recent years.

What do experts say?
Talking to Amar Ujala, cardiologist Dr. Abhijat Sahay says, the problem of blood pressure can happen to a person of any age, so even if you feel healthy, still keep taking its readings at regular intervals. Checking blood pressure is not only helpful in protecting you from serious heart problems but it is also important to prevent the increasing risks of stroke in youth.

People whose blood pressure is often high or low may be at risk of serious health problems, such people should consult a doctor for advice.

Blood pressure can also cause kidney problems
Health experts say, regular blood pressure checking provides many health benefits. Early detection of high blood pressure can prevent complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Dr. Abhijat explains, that blood pressure not only increases heart problems, it also increases the risk of kidney failure.

If we all take blood pressure readings every week and if any kind of discrepancy is seen in it, then seek medical advice in time. This can help protect you from serious diseases.

Take the help of a digital monitor
Health experts say, fortunately now monitoring BP at home has become easier and more convenient than before. Keep a digital BP monitor at home. Keep taking blood pressure readings every week and write them down. If there is a big difference in it every week, then be careful. This test is important to reduce the risk of increasing heart problems.

(PC: ISTOCK)