Taking High Blood Pressure Lightly Can Be Dangerous; Timely Checkups and Regular Treatment Are Essential
- Get your blood pressure checked regularly for a healthier lifestyle
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a disease whose early symptoms often do not appear, but over time it can damage several vital organs of the body. Ahead of the upcoming World Hypertension Day, doctors have appealed to people to regularly monitor their blood pressure and not discontinue treatment midway.
Director of Clinical and Preventive Cardiology, Dr. R.K. Saran, said that hypertension is called a “silent killer” because most patients do not experience any significant discomfort in the initial stages. Many people assume that if they are not facing any problems, their blood pressure must be normal, but that is not necessarily true. He said that normal blood pressure is considered to be around 120/80, but it can fluctuate throughout the day due to activities and stress. There is no need to panic if blood pressure is found to be high once, but if it remains consistently high, one should immediately consult a doctor.
Director of Interventional Cardiology, Dr. P.K. Goel, said that timely detection of high blood pressure is extremely important. Once the disease is confirmed, regular treatment and continuous intake of medicines become necessary. Many patients stop taking medicines on their own once their blood pressure becomes normal after starting treatment, which can prove dangerous. He added that the risk of high blood pressure increases with age, making regular checkups very important. Timely diagnosis and continuous treatment can significantly help control complications caused by hypertension.
Director of Interventional Cardiology, Dr. S.K. Dwivedi, said that to prevent high blood pressure, people need to pay special attention to their diet and lifestyle. Reduce salt intake, avoid fried and excessively spicy foods, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and try to stay away from stress. He also advised that after the age of 40, regular blood pressure checkups should become a part of daily routine. Uncontrolled high blood pressure over a long period increases the risk of serious conditions such as heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, and brain stroke. In many cases, it can also affect eyesight.