High blood pressure, often known as hypertension, is a serious medical condition that can be easily detected at a doctor’s clinic and controlled with low-cost treatment. Despite this, India ranks 193rd for women and 170th for men among 200 countries in terms of hypertension diagnosis. Surprisingly, 60–70% of Indians with hypertension are completely unaware of their disease. Because of the lack of diagnosis, extremely low rates of hypertension treatment exist, putting people at the risk of developing life-threatening diseases like heart attack and stroke.
High blood pressure (HBP, or hypertension) shows no symptoms and is a “silent killer” that quietly damages blood vessels and leads to serious health disorders. Using medications as prescribed and making lifestyle changes can enhance your quality of life and reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and more. This World Hypertension Day, let us understand the key lifestyle changes to manage hypertension and raise awareness about the same.
Know your numbers
Is your blood pressure in the normal or dangerous range? Getting your blood pressure checked is the best method to find out the same. High blood pressure is defined when one or both of your blood pressure readings are higher than 130/80 mm Hg most of the time. If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you should keep a track of it on a regular basis and seek medical help.
How to manage your blood pressure?
Your daily habits can affect your blood pressure (BP). The right lifestyle choices can help control your blood pressure. Here are a few expert recommended suggestions:
- Eat a heart healthy diet
Include more fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet which are high in magnesium, potassium, and fiber. Reduce your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, which may harm your heart health. They can increase plaque buildup on blood vessels, increasing your blood pressure levels and thus your risk of heart disease. Replace them with healthy fats. - Limit your salt intake
Salt causes your body to retain fluids. Extra fluid in the body can raise blood pressure. The majority of the salt people consume comes from processed foods rather than table salt. Avoid processed foods, ready-to-eat meals, ready sauces, condiments, and other similar food items. - Lose excess weight
Extra weight makes it more difficult for your heart to circulate blood throughout your body. This raises your blood pressure. Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and keep your blood pressure in check. - Quit smoking
Your blood pressure rises every time you smoke. Smoking causes blood arteries to narrow and your heart rate to rise. When you have high blood pressure, these symptoms are exacerbated. Quit smoking today. - Manage existing health conditions
Preexisting health conditions could worsen your hypertension. Take the required medicine as advised by your doctor. It is also important to inform the doctor about all your medications including over-the-counter treatments and herbal supplements. - Limit alcohol intake
Excessive use of alcohol can increase your blood pressure. Alcohol may also react with certain medicines. Stay “No” to alcohol. - Exercise regularly
Exercise can help you lower your blood pressure. It can facilitate blood flow and strengthen your heart. On most days of the week, try to obtain at least 30 minutes of exercise. - Manage your stress
Certain hormones released during stressful situations can make blood pressure higher. Take some time to exercise, pursue a hobby, listen to music and find other ways to unwind and cope better with your stress levels.
Managing blood pressure is a lifelong commitment. Work closely with your doctor to learn about high blood pressure and how to manage it effectively.
Hypertension care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Worried about your fluctuating blood pressure levels? It is important to ask questions and monitor your blood pressure readings. If you’ve already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, work with our team of doctors to come up with an individualized plan to control your blood pressure. Consult our doctors for further medical assistance, call 022 42696969 for appointments or visit the below website link: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com