Pune : Many of the morbidities and mortalities arising out of uncontrolled blood pressure can be prevented with proper adherence to treatment and lifestyle modifications opined experts.
World Hypertension Day is observed on 17th May and highlights the importance of early detection and effective management. This year, the theme is a call to ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.’Dr. DN Hambire, Director, Department of Medicine at VishwaRaj Hospital, Loni said that many of the complications arising out of uncontrolled blood pressure like stroke, heart attack, eye conditions can be avoided with early diagnosis and adherence to treatment with lifestyle modifications. The major challenge is adherence to the treatment. With blood pressure coming in control, some patients do stop the medications on their own increasing the risk of future complications. He added that the decision to start medication or to reduce the medication depends on many factors like individual health, age, comorbidities etc and should be left to the expert doctors.
Lifestyle- a major contributing factor
High stress, higher intake of salt, junk food, improper diet, excessive alcohol, tobacco, smoking, lack of exercise is a major contributing factor for many diseases as also for hypertension. Once seen in the older adults, now the paradigm has shifted to the young population. So we are seeing more and more patients even in their 30s. Increasing diabetic and obese population is a cause of major concern and contributing to increased risk factors.
Those with family history need to aggressively work on their lifestyle so that the risk is reduced or can be postponed, he added
‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.’
Speaking about the theme, Dr. Hambire said that it is best to go for a regular checkup to your doctor. Many people have digital instruments at their home, But while checking the BP at home , advice should be taken from experts regarding norms to follow. One should be relaxed before measuring the blood pressure, lying down in a sleeping position or lying comfortably at 45 degrees angle.
