Keep your BP under control: Experts

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 17

Increasing level of stress, the prevailing hostilities, work related anxieties, strained family life are some of the reasons for high blood pressure. Hypertension is becoming a silent killer as most of the time people do not get to know that they have high blood pressure because of lack of symptoms. World Hypertension Day was observed today and the theme this year is “Know your Numbers”.

According to experts more than 50 per cent of the population is unaware that they have high blood pressure and by the time they know of the problem the damage has already been done. They recommend that it is important to get blood pressure checked periodically to “know the numbers” so that the disease can be before any damage.

Dr Paramdeep Singh Sandhu, Consultant, Cardio Department, Fortis Hospital, said, “High blood pressure is one of the most common cardiovascular problems. It is directly responsible for about 60 per cent of all stroke deaths and 25 per cent of all coronary heart disease deaths. As per studies carried out among urban and rural population, its prevalence is as high as 30 per cent if the cut-off 140/90 mm is kept as its definition.”

Hypertension damages the functioning of the brain, heart and kidneys and also leads to death, said Chief Cardiologist of the Hero Heart Dayanand Medical College and Hospital Dr GS Wander while cautioning people not to ignore it.

Dr Sarabjit, from DMCH, said hypertension is a silent killer as there are no symptoms to identify the disease in initial stages. “In the case of the People who regularly drink and smoke the functioning of the brain is affected up to 20 per cent due to hypertension,” she stressed.

Another city based cardiologist, Dr Raman Saluja added that one in four individuals above 25 years of age has hypertension.

“With 30 per cent of deaths in the country attributed to hypertension and diseases triggered by it, youngsters need to regulate their eating habits and improve fitness in order to prevent the health condition, which has risen 20 per cent among the youth.”

Normal BP readings

More than 120 over 80 and less than 140 over 90 (120/80-140/90) is normal blood pressure. But if it is a little higher than this it should be seriously attended to and kept under control.

How to control high BP

• Lose extra pounds
• Exercise regularly
• Eat healthy diet
• Limit amount of alcohol
• Cut on caffeine
• Quit smoking
• Reduce stress

Foods to avoid

• Processed food
• Fast or junk food
• Pickles and papads
• Alcohol

Foods to lower blood pressure

• White beans
• Fat free yogurt
• Kiwi                      
• Banana            
• Broccoli
• Peach

Common symptoms of hypertension

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea & vomiting
• Chest pain
• Breathlessness