Hypertension: The Silent Killer Among Us
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is an important health issue, affecting millions across age, race and region. The prevalence increases with age, with notable differences in rates across different populations and regions.
Hypertension often does not cause any symptoms and lacks any warning signs, unless it is in a very high range when it can cause headache, blurring of vision, dizziness, chest discomfort, nose bleeds, confusion and altered sensorium. If left untreated or if uncontrolled despite taking medication it can cause kidney failure, heart disease, visual handicap and stroke. There is no doubt about the role that control of high blood pressure plays in preventing these serious health complications.
While hypertension is a leading cause of premature death, a significant number of individuals even don’t know being hypertensive and even if they know most don’t take the medication and a significant proposition of those taking medications don’t have it within the target range.
A large study done across our country recently demonstrated the magnitude of this problem with more than 1 in 4 people having hypertension, out of which only 1 in 3 received a diagnosis, less than 1 in 5 were treated, and only 1 in 12 had blood pressure control. An alarming finding of this study was that more than 90% of adults with hypertension are either undiagnosed, untreated, or treated but with uncontrolled hypertension.
To address these issues, the world community declared May 15th every year as the “World Hypertension Day” with thrust on awareness, diagnosis, management of high BP in the general population, especially those at risk as well as those who have high BP and either are not taking medications as advised or are not controlled despite being on medications.
Considering the magnitude of the problem that hypertension poses (1.28 billion suffering from hypertension) administration has rightly designated one full month (17th May to 16th June) as the hypertension awareness month and not limited it to one day only.
Considering all aspects highlighted above, SKIMS has joined the bandwagon on this important issue through initiatives like free blood pressure screenings, educational talks, and social media campaigns. At SKIMS a number of activities as defined by the health authorities are being conducted throughout this month so that maximum people are benefited in terms of diagnosis and in terms of control of high BP (Table).
With these activities we hope to make the common people aware about his BP, the necessity to measure it as required, need to see a physician if screening reveals hypertension, need to take medications as required and need to be regular in visiting a doctor. We also aim to make people realize about the ill-effects of high BP in the long term and encourage them to take action. Action on lifestyle modification which includes avoiding unhealthy diet, limiting salt intake, engaging in physical activity, reducing weight if obese, avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking and limiting stressful surroundings, and if advised taking medication regularly.
ACTIVITIES TO BE HELD AT SKIMS & ITS CATCHMENT AREA
TRAINING: Training of Frontline health workers on population based NCD risk assessment in Block Hajin
SCREENING FOR NCD: at RHTC Sumbal, at work places including JK Bank SKIMS & Police Station Soura and in Orphanages, old age homes
CAMPS: Two public Awareness cum Screening camps, one in aspirational Block & one in Tribal remote area
WALKATHON: Awareness and health promotion by arranging Walkathon/ Marathon
SCHOOL/COLLEGE: Awareness and health promotion via engagement of Schools and Colleges (lectures, Painting & quiz,competitions, slogan writing, Reels etc.)
SOCIAL MEDIA: Awareness & health promotion using social media platforms (SKIMS FOR YOU) throughout the month
MASS MEDIA: Use of mass media for Awareness and health promotion (Radio/TV Campaign, Newspaper articles, Talk shows etc.)
WEBINAR: Webinar for capacity building
MISCELLANEOUS: Distribution of Hand-outs, display of posters in key areas etc.
Dr Muzafar Maqsood Wani, Professor and Head, Department of Nephrology, SKIMS, Soura and Dr Hilal Ahmad Rather, Professor and Head, Department of Cardiology, SKIMS, Soura
