Understanding Hypertension: Risks, Symptoms & Effective Management

“Just as individuals possess unique variations in hair colour, eye colour, and skin colour similarly, blood pressure can also be variable. Hence, it is important to understand specific individual target set by a trained clinician.” ~ Dr Kaninika Basu Saha, MD (UK)

Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, is a prevalent health condition in India, particularly among the elderly population. It is estimated that one out of every three senior citizens in India is diagnosed with hypertension. Hypertension occurs when the force of blood against the walls of our arteries is consistently too high. This strain on blood vessels and the heart can lead to serious health complications over time. Several risk factors contribute to the development of hypertension, making it crucial for everyone to understand the condition and take proactive steps to manage it.

Dr. Kaninika Basu Saha mentioned briefly some of the risk factors associated with hypertension. These risk factors include age, family history, being overweight or obesity, lack of physical activity, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions like diabetes and kidney disease. Additionally, smoking and excessive caffeine intake can also contribute to the development of hypertension.

She stated, “Regular monitoring of blood pressure is crucial, especially when there are changes in medication. By diligently tracking blood pressure levels after starting a new medication, you can ensure that the blood pressure remains within a healthy range.”

Further, she suggested the following lifestyle changes that would help reduce high blood pressure.

Reduce salt intake: Consuming too much salt can cause your body to retain water, which can increase blood pressure. Reduction in salt intake can help you lower your blood pressure.

Eat a balanced diet: A healthy and balanced diet is crucial for maintaining normal blood pressure levels. Two-quarters of the plate should comprise carbohydrates, and one-quarter should include protein.

Eat enough potassium: Potassium helps balance sodium’s effects on blood pressure. An increase in potassium intake may help you lower blood pressure. However, those with kidney problems should be careful about the potassium intake. Good sources of potassium include fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, oranges, spinach, and tomatoes.

Maintain a healthy body weight: By maintaining a healthy body weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise, you can reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure or help lower it if you already have it.

Be physically active: Regular physical activity such as walking, jogging can help lower blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health.

Don’t smoke: Smoking damages blood vessels and causes the blood vessels to narrow, leading to higher blood pressure. Quitting smoking is essential for reducing the risk of high blood pressure and its complications.

Apart from this, Dr Kaninika also stated some of the major causes of fluctuating blood pressure.

Stress: Stress serves as a significant factor in high blood pressure. The impact of stress on our bodies is substantial, extending beyond just blood pressure to include elevated sugar levels, increased heart rate, and accelerated respiration rates.

Medications: The consumption of certain medications, such as paracetamol, cough syrups, and painkillers, can potentially cause fluctuations in blood pressure levels. Additionally, if you are on a regular regimen of blood pressure medication, inconsistent dosages can contribute to elevated blood pressure.

Caffeine: Consuming caffeine can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure. However, the effect may vary from person to person. Therefore, It’s advisable to monitor your response to caffeine and limit consumption if it affects your blood pressure.

Food: Sensitivity to food items such as sodium can also cause an increase in blood pressure. A balanced and healthy diet, low in sodium and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can help maintain stable blood pressure levels.

Fever: When you have a fever, your body temperature rises. This increase in body temperature can also cause an elevation in blood pressure. However, once the fever subsides, blood pressure typically returns to normal.

Lastly, she mentioned,” Advancements in technology have revolutionized our world. Today, with the aid of technology, valuable information can be effortlessly shared with doctors for improved medical care and analysis. Support Elders also have their own set of solutions that deal with monitoring various health parameters, including blood pressure from the comfort of one’s home, on a real time basis and share it regularly.”