World Hypertension Day 2024: Understanding, Detecting, and Managing Hypertension - Dr Vinus Taneja

This year the theme of World Hypertension Day is "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer" as per the World Hypertension League/WHO. Hypertension is a public health problem. Half of the patients were unaware. We should aim to educate the public & increase awareness of Hypertension. Hypertension, as we all know, is a medical condition characterised by raised blood pressure levels; persistently higher than normal.

What are the signs of uncontrolled BP?

• Severe Headache & Dizziness
• Nausea/ Vomiting
• Chest pain & abnormal heart beat
• Blurred Vision
• Anxiety & Confusion

What is the right method to check your BP?

• The best position to take your blood pressure is seated in a chair with your feet on the floor and your arm supported, so your elbow is at about heart level.
• It's a good idea to have your blood pressure measured in both arms at least once.
• Don't drink a caffeinated beverage or smoke during the 30 minutes before the tests
• Sit quietly for five minutes before the test begins.
• The inflatable part of the cuff should completely cover at least 80% of your upper arm, and the cuff should be placed on bare skin, not over a shirt.
• Don't talk during the measurement.

Hypertension contributes to many health issues like stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, eye vision changes, peripheral artery disease and can also contribute to dementia. It affects people of all age groups & backgrounds. Hypertension is also known as “silent killer”. Mostly people are unaware that they are suffering from Hypertension (as mostly it is asymptomatic), until they suffer from any of these illnesses like stroke or heart attack.

As per WHO: Only about 12% of Indians with Hypertension have their BP under control.

According to WHO: Hypertension contributes to 9.4 million deaths annually worldwide. As the BP increases, so do the cardiovascular risks. Hypertension is a major risk factor for CV diseases, including stroke and heart diseases, which are leading causes of mortality. Risk factors include - unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, strokes, family history.

Hence, regular BP monitoring/ screening is very important, for early detection & management. Always seek advice from your doctor if your BP is high (140/90 mm Hg as above).

So the target should be to control BP: (less than 140/90 mm Hg)

Management of Hypertension majorly involves lifestyle modification, regular exercise, healthy diet, weight management, and stress management, reduction of alcohol & tobacco consumption. In addition to this, visit your doctor regularly, monitor your BP regularly & start medication as advised by your doctor regularly.