Hidden link: Don’t let poor diet, hypertension strain your kidneys

An alarming number of patients reported irregular adherence to hypertension medication in a week-long survey conducted by the Department of Dietetics at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER).

The survey, the findings for which were made public this week, was a part of the larger awareness drive for World Kidney Day. It aimed to assess patients’ understanding of their food choices and the relationship between hypertension and kidney health.

A key focus of the campaign was educating patients about the importance of dietary habits and proper medical help in managing blood pressure.

Dr Ashish Bhalla, a professor from the Department of Internal Medicine, addressed common myths surrounding hypertension, such as misconceptions about medication and the effectiveness of alternative remedies. His session helped patients understand the long-term effects of untreated hypertension on kidney health.

The need for the awareness was highlighted by the alarming findings of the survey that showed that 48.6% of respondents did not believe medication was necessary to tackle hypertension. Nearly 40% of participants perceived high blood pressure as a curable condition, while 21% have had tried alternative medicines.

The survey also highlighted concerning dietary habits, with 70.45% of patients consuming insufficient servings of fruits and vegetables, and many exceeding the recommended daily salt intake. Only 19.5% of respondents adhered to the recommended salt consumption of 1 teaspoon per day.

What steps need to be taken?

The team of experts led by Chief Dietician Dr Nancy Sahni, Senior Dietician BN Behra engaged patients with health talks on the prevention of kidney failure through dietary interventions.

The sessions also emphasised on the importance of hydration, balanced salt intake, and adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables tailored to individual lifestyles.

High blood pressure, an often-overlooked yet significant risk factor, can gradually deteriorate kidney health and lead to kidney failure if not managed properly, according to the experts.

The campaign, which included special diet clinics across various outpatient departments, thus aimed to raise awareness among patients and the public about the dangers of uncontrolled high blood pressure and its direct impact on kidney function.

Through the surveys and clinics conducted all week long, PGIMER’s dietetics department aimed to make kidney health a year-round priority.

The data collected will inform future interventions, ensuring that patients receive continuous guidance on diet, medication adherence, and lifestyle choices to prevent kidney failure.

In addition to the talks and consultations, informational pamphlets on kidney health were distributed, offering valuable tips on maintaining kidney function through proper diet and hydration.

Worrying numbers

A high 48.6% of respondents to the PGI survey did not believe medication was necessary to tackle hypertension.

Nearly 40% of participants perceived high blood pressure as a curable condition.

Another 21% have had tried alternative medicines.

An alarming 70.45% of patients were found consuming insufficient servings of fruits and vegetables.

Only 19.5% of respondents adhered to the recommended salt consumption of 1 teaspoon per day.