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 Dr Rajasekhar Varma,Consultant Cardiologist,Aster Medcity,Kochi May 17 is observed globally as the World Hypertension
Day. The International Society of Hypertension has started a global awareness
initiative called as May Measurement Month (MMM) to increase public awareness
about the detection and appropriate treatment of this silent killer. “Know Your
Numbers” – everyone should measure and know their own personal BP, blood sugar,
cholesterol and related numbers so that they can be proactive about their own
health.
Dr. Raja Sekhar Varma, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Aster Medcity
in Kochi says, “This is quite a common phenomenon and many times people ignore a
doctor telling them they have hypertension or high blood pressure. One of the
main reasons for ignoring a warning about hypertension is that patients feel
fine without any symptoms in the initial stages of hypertension. An individual
can have hypertension for many years without any physical problems from the
condition. That is why it is known as a ‘silent killer’!”
The term ‘hypertension’ refers to an increase in the force that the blood exerts
against the walls of the blood vessels as it flows through the blood vessel. The
two factors which affect the blood pressure is the amount of blood pumped by the
heart and the resistance faced by the blood as it flows through the arteries.
The more the blood pumped by the heart and the narrower the arteries, the higher
will be the blood pressure.
Hypertension is a common condition and studies in India have shown that around
30% of adults suffer from hypertension with marked increase in urban areas as
compared to rural India. The risk of hypertension increases with age. Risk also
increases if an individual is overweight, has a family history of hypertension,
has wrong food habits, leads a sedentary life and smokes or drinks alcohol.
The doctor says, “Disregarding hypertension is dangerous. Hypertension puts
extra strain on your heart and blood vessels, which if left untreated can lead
to significant health problems. Complications resulting from uncontrolled high
blood pressure can include permanent and significant disability.”
He lists out the top ten risks of ignoring Hypertension
- Damage to the arteries, which may harden and thicken under the increased
pressure.
- Aneurysm, which occurs when a part of an artery in the brain balloons out from
the continuous pressure. This can lead to a rupture and a stroke.
- Stroke, which is the result of reduction of blood supply to the brain due to
blockage from a clot or rupture of an aneurysm.
- Heart attack, from the hardening or thickening of arteries leading to
blockage.
- Congestive heart failure, when the heart has to pump blood against the higher
pressure leading to thickening of the heart muscle and eventually leading to
failure of pumping enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
- Kidney failure, from damage to the small blood vessels in the kidney which
stops the kidney from working properly. In an advanced stage, will require
regular dialysis and kidney transplant.
- Loss of vision, from damage to the small blood vessels in the retina of the
eye.
- Metabolic syndromes, from associated high levels of insulin, increased levels
of cholesterol and fat deposition around the waist. These increase the risk of
developing diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
- Trouble with memory and other mental problems like confusion, headaches,
convulsions and even dementia.
- Sexual dysfunction in the form of impotence can also occur in long standing
cases of hypertension.
So on this World Hypertension Day, let us resolve to have a regular check-up for
hypertension especially after the age of 40. And if hypertension is detected, it
will be wise to start management in the form of lifestyle modification and
treatment with appropriate medication immediately to prevent the ‘silent killer’
from making the next move!
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