Tips to control hypertension

According to WHO, hypertension or high blood pressure affects more than one in three adults aged 25 and over. It is a primary precipitator of heart disease and stroke, making it the number one cause of premature death and disability in the world. Mostly, hypertension is asymptomatic, making regular blood pressure (BP) checks for high-risk individuals crucial. Occasionally, its symptoms are headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, heart palpitations and nose bleeds. Common risk factors for hypertension include a family history, high-salt consumption on a regular basis, sedentary lifestyle, long-term sleep deprivation, obesity, diabetes and kidney disease. Many medications have been launched in the last 10 years for the treatment of hypertension including new ARB’S like Azilsartan, beta blockers, and Thiazide diuretics. Compliance to medication and lifestyle modifications are key for managing high BP. Here are some tips by Dr RK Madhok to control and prevent hypertension: 1. Lose weight: Abdominal obesity triggers hypertension. 2. Exercise regularly: 30 minutes of light physical activity helps control BP. 3. Follow a healthy diet: that is rich in lean proteins and low in cholesterol, carbohydrate, salt and sugar. 4. Reduce sodium intake: by avoiding processed food items like chips and salted snacks to reduce the risk of hypertension. 5. Regulate alcohol consumption: Binge drinking over a prolonged period increases blood pressure. 6. Quit smoking: Each cigarette smoked spikes your blood pressure almost instantaneously. 7. Manage stress: through meditation and yoga.

Dr RK Madhok, MD DM FACC, senior consultant cardiologist, professor and head, NIMS Heart Institute, Jaipur