Is hypertension an early sign of kidney disease?
Hypertension is regarded as one of the modern epidemics. It is often a consequence of a sedentary lifestyle, mismanaged stress and unhealthy dietary habits. The kidney plays a crucial role in salt handling, and impaired regulation of this is the primary cause of high blood pressure (BP) in essential hypertension. In people under 35 years of age, high BP is most often due to underlying kidney disease. Hypertension over a long period of time causes kidney damage.
May 17 is observed as World Hypertension Day, and the theme chosen for this year is ‘Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer’.
Your BP can change during the day with changes in posture, exercise or sleeping, but it should normally be < 120/80 mm Hg for an adult.
The mercury instrument remains the most accurate way of measuring BP. However, for home measurement, the electronic
Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer. DR SANJEEV GULATI,
instrument remains the easiest to use. Here are my seven tips to ensure accurate BP reading.
Sit and rest for five minutes Do not talk or watch TV Sit in proper posture, with back and feet supported and legs uncrossed
Use the correct cuff size (covers 40% of circumference of upper arm and 80% of the area from elbow to shoulder) Place arm at the level of
heart, and cuff on bare arm Use BP instrument that has been cross checked with a mercury instrument Take an average of three readings; first reading is always high, so it should be ignored
is