Balanced diet, proper exercise important for BP patients: Expert

Senior Consultant with Department of Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Dr Sudhanshu Budakoty shared an advisory to shed light on the need for regular blood pressure monitoring to manage hypertension.

Discussing myths about 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,” he added.

He further discussed ways to manage blood pressure, saying, “Diet modification, salt restriction, weight reduction, smoking cessation, physical activity, alcohol restriction, stress management, yoga, and minimising air pollution can go a long way in controlling blood pressure.” —TNS