Epidemic of Hypertention

Hypertension is emerging as a global epidemic and the most common non-communicable cardiovascular disorder -- affecting approximately 1.28 billion adults (mostly aged 30–79 years) globally, as per recent data by World Health Organization(WHO).

As per the same data, an estimated 46% of adult population with hypertension are unaware that they have the condition, while larger proportion remains undiagnosed, untreated, or inadequately treated for the condition -- thus posing a major risk factor for development of adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure, as well as vision problems, disability and premature mortality.

Most people with hypertension do not feel any symptoms, though very high blood pressures can cause headaches, blurred vision, chest pain and other symptoms. However, checking one's blood pressure levels is the best way to know if one have it and seek doctor consultation for its early detection, control and treatment, besides prevention.

The modifiable risk factors that could increase the potential risks of high blood pressure include adoption of unhealthy routines like eating poorly, being overweight or obese, exercising less, deprived sleep or leaning more heavily on substances such as alcohol, smoking and drug abuse including taking stress; while as non-modifiable risk factors include a family history of hypertension, age over 65 years and co-existing diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease.

Therefore, primarily addressing the modifiable risk factors can significantly lower the chances of developing hypertension. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, taking less salt in diet, getting adequate sleep, avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption; and monitoring your cholesterol and triglyceride levels and keeping them under control are crucial hallmarks in prevention of hypertension in general and heart diseases in particular.

Moreover, the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan is a healthy diet plan which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and low-fat dairy products. Besides that it is also low in sodium, saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol.

So, focus on consuming more fruits and vegetables each day, choose whole grains over refined grains, and opt for protein-rich sources such as poultry, fish, beans, and nuts. Adopting the DASH diet in one's life has been shown to lower blood pressure and hence reduce the risk of hypertension.

More to say, people should also avoid unnecessary stress in their lives by following a good health routine as research has shown that depression including stress could increase a person’s risk for developing hypertension.

Dr. Tasaduk Hussain Itoo is a Physician and RSSDI Certified in Diabetology