Matters of the Heart – Hypertension management

by cv | Jan 15, 2023 | Campaigns, Hypertension

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.

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

Take medicines regularly as adviced by your doctor
Keep monitoring your BP levels
Do not stop or change medicines without consulting your doctor

Resources on Hypertension

NFHS-5 data on hypertension in india

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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.

IHCI May 2022 | Report Highlights