High blood pressure is often called the ‘silent killer’ because it no longer shows any symptoms. The sufferer feels better even if his blood pressure is high. This is because many people do not even realize that they are hypertensive and need medical intervention. It is most often identified when a person goes for a regular check-up or a specific check-up for some other ailment.Also read – World Hypertension Day: How can intense heat waves in North India affect patients with high BP?
Symptoms related to hypertension include headache, dizziness, lack of concentration and fatigue which are not very specific in nature and can be easily missed. Untreated hypertension can damage your limbs and lead to stroke, and many other problems such as kidney or eye damage. So if your blood pressure is high and you don’t know it, you are putting yourself at risk. Also read – Pickles good or bad? You must check the benefits and side effects of pickles
Dr. Santosh Kumar Dora, Senior Cardiologist, Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai says that there is no complete cure for hypertension, the best way to control it is a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Dora lists lifestyle changes that you can try to control hypertension. Also read – World Hypertension Day: Nutritionist Recommended Diet Plan to Control High Blood Pressure
- The diet should be low in fat and salt.
High fat and salty foods like fried snacks and bakery products can be avoided. You can follow the DASH (dietary approach to prevent hypertension) diet, which includes a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, low-fat or low-fat milk and milk products, whole grain foods, fish, poultry, beans and nuts and unsalted nuts. This diet pattern is high in fiber and can help maintain an effective metabolism. Part control is just as important.
Obesity is a major risk factor for hypertension that can exacerbate other lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Weight is considered healthy when the body mass index is between 20 and 25. Daily exercise from 45 minutes to 1 hour should be part of your daily routine.
It is very important to manage stress to keep your blood pressure under control, consult a stress management consultant for advice if needed.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
Alcohol and smoking are the two worst enemies of your body, both of which can lead to hypertension and should be stopped completely. Excessive alcoholism raises blood pressure and should be avoided.
Patients already suffering from hypertension should regularly monitor their BP, take the medication prescribed by their physician regularly and follow a healthy lifestyle. Medications are usually started when blood pressure levels are too high in the short term – but it is up to your doctor to decide if you should take any medication for your specific type of hypertension.
