Matters of the Heart – Hypertension management
Hypertension (HTN) is the most prevalent non-communicable disease in both developed and developing countries including India. Uncontrolled blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as heart attacks and stroke, and are responsible for one-third of total deaths in India. In India it is estimated that at least one in four adults has hypertension but, only about 12% of them have their blood pressure under control. The latest NFHS 5 data estimated that 21 per cent of females over 15 years have hypertension as opposed to 24 per cent of males in the same age group. Twelve per cent of women and 9 per cent of men say that on two or more occasions they were told by a doctor or health professional that they have hypertension or high blood pressure. Raised blood pressure is among the most important risk factors for CVDs. Moreover, it remains poorly controlled due to low awareness about hypertension, lack of appropriate care through primary care and poor follow up.
Consumer VOICE efforts on Hypertension awareness on social media
How do you know if you are having hypertension?
Ideally, the normal blood pressure in human beings is 120/80 mm. Hg. A blood pressure of 140/90 mm. Hg. or above is considered high. If blood pressure has been monitored regularly for a week and recorded above 140/90 mm. Hg. on two or more occasions, the person is diagnosed to be hypertensive.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
The highest of blood pressure will sometimes go unnoticed due to want of symptoms. The only way to know one has high blood pressure is to get it measured. Due to the lack of symptoms, hypertension is also called a silent killer. The symptoms one might experience could include:
- Headache with or without heaviness of head
- Fatigue or confusion
- Vision problems
- Chest pain
- Difficulty in breathing
- Vertigo
- Blood in the urine
- Pounding in chest, neck, or ears
- Loss of balance
How to Maintain Normal Blood Pressure
Absolute Must
Resources on Hypertension
NFHS-5 data on hypertension in india
Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI)
For the Details, Click Here
India Hypertension Control Initiative Study
The India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) a multi-partner initiative conducted a cohort study in 24 IHCI sites in four Indian states — Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Telangana was jointly funded by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian Council of Research (ICMR). The aim of the study was to strengthen hypertension or high blood pressure management and control by surveilling and treating patients.
Hypertension Myths and Facts
Hypertension in India – Factsheet
Videos on Hypertension
HYPERTENSION IN NEWS
⇨ ‘Punjab’s Model for Hypertension Treatment to be replicated in Other States’
July 02, 2022 | worldwisdomnews
Doctors and public health experts consider uncontrolled and untreated hypertension as a public health crisis, the scale of which we are yet to fully comprehend… read more
⇨ ‘Punjab’s Model for Hypertension Treatment to be replicated in Other States’
July 02, 2022 | buzzingchandigarh
Doctors and public health experts consider uncontrolled and untreated hypertension as a public health crisis, the scale of which we are yet to fully comprehend… read more
⇨ Extended day prescription refills for chronic diseases addresses health equity gap
December 17, 2021 | ETHealthWorld
500 million Indians rely on public health system for their primary care and access to medicines… read more
⇨ EXTENDED DAY PRESCRIPTION REFILLS FOR CHRONIC DISEASES LIKE HYPERTENSION ADDRESS INDIA’S HEALTH EQUITY GAP
December 01, 2021 | NE India Broadcast
Guwahati, December 1: 500 million Indians rely on public health system for their primary… read more