Hypertension has become one of the major health concerns in the coming years but the situation is not as hypertensive as its neighbors currently. India still has a low rate of hypertension compared to world figures but it is growing at an alarming rate. In India 23.10 percent of men and 22.60 percent women above 25 years suffer from hypertension. The global average is around 29.20 for men and 24.80 for women.
But according the sources, the country might be heading to be among the worst afflicted countries in near future. The Blood Pressure patients in the country are the about to rise about 214 million by 2030 from 130 million now.
Hypertension is defined as a repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg — a systolic pressure above 140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. Dr.Sailesh Mohan, senior research scientist at Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), says, ‘We have 20- 30 percent of Indians suffering from high blood pressure and the global average stands at 40 percent. Therefore, this is not a small figure. In fact, in absolute numbers the figures are huge and a matter of concern as well.’
Agreeing with this Dr. Raman Abhi, senior consultant, internal medicine at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon, reiterates, “’Hypertension is likely going to be a like an epidemic in the near future and approximately one –third of our population will suffer from it. The non-detection of hypertension cases in India further makes the situation worse.
Urban areas have 20 to 40 percent of incidence of high blood pressure and about 12 to 17 percent in the Rural have incidence of the same. It kills approximately 1.5 million people every year in South East Asia. Indian figure is currently not available. Dr. Abhi at Fortis says, ‘Unhealthy eating habits, stress and environmental factors lead to high blood pressure cases in urban India ‘ are the main causes of high blood pressure.
Dr. K K Aggarwal, consultant, at Moolchand Medcity, New Delhi, says, ‘Symptoms are headache, dizziness, palpitations and breathlessness on minimal exertion.’ Outlining the disease symptoms, ‘Neglect of the disease might affect blood vessels of heart leading to pre-mature heart disease and most significant of all is the irreversible damage to the kidney leading to chronic renal failure,’ warns Dr. Aggarwal.
The situation is further aggravated due due very loew awareness surrounding the condition. Dr.Mohan at PHFI laments, ‘Many people in India are unaware of the fact that they suffer from hypertension, and hence it is high time that the awareness should be increased to check the rise of the disease.’
Doctors prescribe reduced consumption of food containing cholesterol, sugar and fat for hypertension patients. High intake of sugar also cause weight gain and hence high BP. Salt intake should also be controlled and junk food should be avoided. The diet should mailnly contain fruits, vegetables and low dairy fats and potassium rich fruits like bananas.
re written from - health.India.com
