Taking High Blood Pressure Lightly Can Be Dangerous; Timely Checkups and Regular Treatment Are Essential
Lucknow — Due to hectic lifestyles, stress, unhealthy eating habits, and lack of physical activity, the cases of Hypertension are rising rapidly across the world. According to WHO estimates, more than one billion people globally suffer from high blood pressure, and nearly 10 million deaths occur every year due to complications related to it. This is why hypertension is often referred to as a “silent killer.”
One of the major concerns is that nearly 46 percent of people suffering from high blood pressure are unaware of their condition because the disease often does not show noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
Ahead of World Hypertension Day, doctors from Medanta Hospital urged people to undergo regular blood pressure monitoring and continue treatment without interruption.
Hypertension Often Shows No Early Symptoms
Dr. R. K. Saran, Director of Clinical and Preventive Cardiology at Medanta Hospital, said that hypertension is known as a silent killer because most patients do not experience discomfort during the initial stages.
He explained that many people wrongly assume that if they feel normal, their blood pressure must also be normal. However, that is not always true. Normal blood pressure is generally considered around 120/80, though it may fluctuate during the day due to stress and daily activities. He advised that consistently high readings should never be ignored and require immediate medical consultation.
Stopping Medicines Without Advice Can Be Risky
Dr. P. K. Goel, Director of Interventional Cardiology, emphasized that timely diagnosis and continuous treatment are essential for controlling hypertension.
He warned that many patients stop taking medicines once their BP becomes normal, without consulting doctors, which can be dangerous. He added that the risk of hypertension increases with age, making routine checkups extremely important. Early diagnosis and regular treatment can help prevent serious complications.
Lifestyle Changes Can Help Prevent High BP
Dr. S. K. Dwivedi advised people to improve their lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of hypertension. Key recommendations include:
- Reduce salt intake
- Avoid fried and overly spicy foods
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain healthy body weight
- Manage stress effectively
- Get regular BP checkups after the age of 40
Doctors also cautioned that uncontrolled hypertension over a long period can lead to severe conditions such as Heart Attack, Stroke, kidney failure, heart failure, and even vision-related complications.