Balanced diet, exercise, stress management key to control blood pressure

On World Hypertension Day, Dr Sudhanshu Budakoty, Senior Consultant in the Department of Cardiology at Fortis Hospital Mohali, has shared an advisory to shed light on the need for regular blood pressure monitoring to manage hypertension.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension is elevation of the blood pressure. Blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg is referred to as hyoertension. Blood pressure that rises above 180/120 mmHg can be labelled as hypertensive crisis. Hypertension can cause heart issues like irregular heartbeat, heart valve problems, heart attack, heart failure and stroke.

Discussing myths around the condition, Budakoty, said, “It is a common belief that as one’s age increases, it is normal to have an increased blood pressure of 150-160 systolic. People ignore this fact and end up having complications of prolonged high BP which can affect the kidney, heart disease and brain stroke. Further, sometimes people also feel that taking medicines will cause a fall in blood pressure. There is no such thing as low BP causing heart problems. The general public should be aware that it is important to maintain a good lifestyle and consume a balanced diet, besides regularly monitor the blood pressure. Anybody with hypertension-related issues should consult a cardiologist at the earliest.”

Symptoms

The main symptoms primarily include severe headaches, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, vomiting, blurred vision, anxiety or confusion, nose bleed and abnormal heart rhythm.

Prevent the silent killer

On ways to manage blood pressure, Budakoty, said, “Diet modification, salt restriction, weight reduction, smoking cessation, physical activity, alcohol restriction, stress management and yoga, and minimising air pollution can go a long way in controlling blood pressure.”