A seven-step strategy to keep away Hypertension.

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Hypertension is the most common lifestyle disease seen mostly in adults who cross the age of 40. Early diagnosis is the key to its treatment.

 

It can be controlled by strict food control and regular physical exercise. The article is intended to help those who wish to control their blood pressure.

 

What is Hypertension? Why it’s a silent Killer?

High Blood Pressure or Hypertension is due to the excessive force exerted by blood against blood vessels. It may damage the arteries which bring blood to our vital body organs. We will not know nor will our body will exhibit any symptoms. 

https://www.ndtv.com/health/hypertension-how-often-should-you-check-your-blood-pressure-numbers-heres-a-complete-guide-2369402

ALT -  Hypertension is a common health condition affecting millions of people which if unchecked; may become fatal.

 

A person who thinks and feels he or she is very healthy does not know whether they are having Hypertension. That’s the reason this disease is often termed a silent killer.

 

Why should we worry about Hypertension? How far is it life-threatening? The answer is if unchecked, it may lead us to very serious health conditions such as;

• Heart diseases.

• Heart attack.

• Stroke.

• Damage to Brain, Kidneys, and Eyes.

 

We might have heard many people saying they have hypertension and are under medication. It’s the most common lifestyle disease affecting humans globally and India is not an exemption. One in every twenty Indians is having hypertension. It is the most vital reason for heart attack deaths in India. 

 

The sad news is that only half of the patients are getting this diagnosed in the early stages and others remain unaware of their health conditions. The worst part is; only one among ten is getting their blood pressure under control after being diagnosed with the disease.

 

World Health Organization (WHO) statistics say India stands in the Fifth position in the death rate due to heart attack and stroke. Most of the deaths due to heart attacks can be avoided if their blood pressure is checked and treated. The same is the case for stroke patients as well. So it’s high time we need to stop this social menace that is making our middle-aged population vulnerable to ill health and death.

 

How far does it cost? Is it affordable for lower-income people?

The cost of treatment is very low and affordable as medicines used for hypertension are very cheap. If once diagnosed, the patient will have to undergo a relatively long period of medication and treatment. 

 

But unfortunately, there is a drop in regular follow-ups which is very dangerous so government policies will help to limit the drop in follow-ups.

 

How to control? Is the government in India doing anything to control?

Let’s list out what our government needs to do. A large-scale mission-like campaign is necessary for early detection and treatment. Early diagnosis is the key to control. Studies reveal states like Telangana and Maharashtra are doing a better job in early intervention of Blood pressure.

 

Ways to arrest the drop in follow-ups:  

The government is doing various innovative policies that help patients have their Blood pressure controlled over some time.

 

• Entrusting primary health centers to take up hypertension patients and their treatment is the most innovative decision. The primary health center is more accessible, less crowded, and very near to patients.

• Extended medical supply also helped the patients have their medicines stored in their houses which will avoid frequent hospital visits. Also, the government is making sure every primary health center is getting adequate medicine supply in-store and permitted several social organizations to organize and supply medicine to patients regularly.

 

We all should sincerely appreciate the government and local bodies which is on a mission. But that’s not enough for this mission to succeed. It’s a lifestyle disease. It can be controlled only if we are fine-tuning our lifestyle according to the requirement. This is the best way of controlling Hypertension.

 

Change your lifestyle is the golden mantra; a seven-step strategy that everyone should follow will help you to avoid lifestyle diseases, improve your metabolism, and have strong immunity towards many health issues.

1. Healthy diet.

2. Exercise regularly.

3. Maintain a healthy BMI.

4. Quit smoking.

5. Stress control.

a. Laughter therapy.

b. Maintain social groups of friends.

c. Anger control methods.

6. Less alcohol.

7. Regular check-ups.

 

1.      Healthy diet- Give more importance to organic foods. Avoid the use of sodium or salt to the maximum. Prefer vegetarian foods. Organic food is good since it does not contain any pesticides or any genetically modified organisms which will affect our metabolism. Always use fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Never use Junk food or packed drinks.

 

2.      Regular exercise helps you to control your body fat and cholesterol. Also helps body organs to work properly. It reduces body weight. Many consider walking as the only option available which is incorrect. Thirty minutes of any physical activity daily is sufficient. It includes working in the garden, traveling by cycle, swimming, sports like cricket, football, Tennis, etc. everything is fine if it’s burning your fat that helps reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases.

 

3.      Maintain proper body mass index (BMI). It is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. There are many applications available on your mobile which will help you be aware of where you are standing. The normal rate is 18.5 – 25.

4.      Why we should quit smoking?  Because it increases your life expectancy, your internal body organs are not badly affected by nicotine and thus decreasing the risk of diseases. Study shows smoking increases blood pressure.

 

5.      Stress control is not an easy task, particularly in the changing world. Increased work pressure, family compulsions, political and social uncertainties everything affects your stress. But if we use some tools like yoga, meditation, social help activities, etc, it will help us to reduce stress. Peace of mind is very important for controlling your stress.

6.       Less alcohol.  Many feel it is impossible to stop alcohol because they are addicted. But we can set a limit. So use alcohol responsibly.

 

7.      Regular check-ups are very important if you cross the age of forty even if you have no health issues. Make sure you are undergoing regular check-ups. If diagnosed with hypertension, never miss these periodic check-ups and diet control.

 

Use the medicines prescribed by the physician. We have many local body groups and self-help groups which are ready to help you and assist you in getting this disease controlled. So let’s make it happen and start a healthy and pressure-free life ahead.