Hypertension - Causes And Management

Hypertension is a silent killer that displays only a few symptoms making it difficult for the individual to seek medical attention

According to a systemic review and meta-analysis on hypertension, high blood pressure is ranked as the third most prevailing disease in South Asia. A 2005 analysis of hypertension showed that 20.6% of Indian men and 20.9 % of Indian women were suffering from hypertension. By 2025, it is projected to go up to 22.9% and 23.6% for Indian men and women respectively.

Why is there a rise in cases of hypertension?

Lifestyle changes have been a major contributing factor to the alarming rise in blood pressure in young adults and seniors. Off late, there is increased awareness of this disease, thanks to screening camps that have helped identify cases and gather more data.

Causes for hypertension among young adults

Every geography had its own food depending on weather conditions. With the cultural diversity and migrations, new foods were introduced. People’s tastes changed, making it one of the reasons for lifestyle diseases.

Apart from migration, there has been an increasing physiological shift that affects the internal circadian rhythm due to work and lifestyle variations. This shift in the biological rhythm alters the diet and sleep pattern, which contributes to many lifestyle illnesses.

According to Foetal Onset of Adulthood Diseases by Dr Barker, mothers who suffered from nutritional deficiency delivered babies with an acclimatized metabolic system, which can be one of the major reasons for metabolic syndromes, deficiencies and cardiovascular diseases.

Causes in older adults and seniors:

People with a well-balanced lifestyle also have a risk of suffering from hypertension. This can be through inherited diseases such as hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and atherosclerosis (thickening of blood vessels). A shift in the lifestyle from being active to leading a sedentary life has been another contributing factor for hypertension and other lifestyle diseases.

Precaution and remedies:

Changing lifestyle habits is the most effective solution for hypertension. Follow these to lead a healthy, disease-free life:

DO’s

1. Eat timely meals in accordance with the circadian rhythm

2. Eat at least 2-3 servings of seasonal fruits

3. Eat more seasonal vegetables

4. Include adequate fibers from plant sources in the diet

5. Regular exercise and adequate physical activities according to the age

6. Adequate rest and good quality sleep

Avoid

1. Eating food with added preservatives

2. Eating fried food

3. Eating untimely and late-night meals

Having a healthy lifestyle is the need of the hour.