One in four Indians suffer from uncontrolled blood pressure, experts decode hypertension

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Having elevated blood pressure levels, or hypertension, is considered to be common among Indians, but not many are aware of the risks associated with the condition, which affects over 40 percent of adults. According to the National Family and Health Survey's (NFHS) latest report, 21 percent of women and 24 percent of men of age 15 years and over have hypertension and around 40 percent of adults of age 15 years and over are pre-hypertensive.

On World Hypertension Day, Mid-Day Digital reached out to Dr Shankar. S. Biradar, MBBS, Medical Director, Magniflex India to understand how hypertension affects Indians and ways in which people can prevent or manage the symptoms at an earlier stage.

What is hypertension? Which part of the body does it affect?

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated above the normal range. Blood pressure is the force exerted by flowing blood on the walls of blood vessels.

Hypertension can affect various parts of the body, including the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes, among others. When left uncontrolled, it can lead to severe complications such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss. It is therefore important to manage hypertension through lifestyle changes and/or medication to prevent these complications.

What are the causes that lead to hypertension?
Several factors can contribute to the development of hypertension. Common causes include:
Genetics: High blood pressure can run in families, suggesting that genetics play a role in its development.
Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle habits such as a diet high in salt and saturated fat, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing hypertension.
Age: As we age, our blood vessels become less flexible and more prone to damage, which can increase blood pressure.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea, can contribute to hypertension.
Stress: Chronic stress can cause the body to produce hormones that can raise blood pressure.
Medications: Certain medications, such as some types of birth control pills and cold remedies, can raise blood pressure.
It's important to note that hypertension can often develop without any clear cause, and in some cases, it may be a combination of several factors that lead to its development.

How many Indians are impacted by hypertension in the last 5 years?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 629 million adults in India had hypertension in 2019. This number is expected to rise to 795 million by 2025. Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases. It is important to control hypertension to reduce the risk of these diseases.

The WHO also reports that the prevalence of hypertension in India has increased by 25% in the last 5 years. This increase can be attributed to several factors, including:
1. The aging population
2. The increasing prevalence of obesity and diabetes
3. Changing dietary patterns
4. The lack of physical activity

The WHO recommends that adults in India have their blood pressure checked at least once a year. If you have high blood pressure, it is important to work with your doctor to control it. There are several things you can do to control your blood pressure, including:
1. Eating a healthy diet
2. Exercising regularly
3. Losing weight
4. Quitting smoking
5. Limiting alcohol consumption
6. Taking your medication as prescribed by your doctor

By controlling your blood pressure, you can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases.

Has covid-19 played a role in affecting hypertension cases in India?

Yes, COVID-19 has played a role in enhancing hypertension cases in India. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused several disruptions to people's lives, including disruptions to healthcare access and disruptions to healthy lifestyles. These disruptions have made it more difficult for people with hypertension to manage their condition.

Some of how COVID-19 has made it more difficult for people with hypertension to manage their condition include:
1. Lockdowns and other restrictions have made it more difficult for people to get to healthcare appointments.
2. The economic impact of the pandemic has made it more difficult for people to afford medications.
3. Stress and anxiety, common during the pandemic, can worsen hypertension.
4. People with hypertension are more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19, which can lead to further disruptions to their care.

As a result of these disruptions, the prevalence of hypertension in India is likely to increase in the coming years. People with hypertension need to take steps to manage their condition, even during the pandemic.

What are the symptoms of hypertension?

In most cases, hypertension does not cause any symptoms, which is why it is often called the "silent killer." This means that many people with hypertension may not even realize they have it until it is detected during a routine check-up or when they experience complications such as a heart attack or stroke. However, in some cases, hypertension may cause the following symptoms:
1. Headaches
2. Dizziness or lightheadedness
3. Blurred vision
4. Shortness of breath
5. Chest pain
6. Irregular heartbeat

It's important to note that these symptoms are not specific to hypertension and can be caused by other medical conditions as well. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause.

How does sleep become instrumental in managing hypertension?

Getting enough sleep is vital to manage hypertension. Here's how:
1. Reduces stress: Lack of sleep can increase stress levels, which in turn can raise blood pressure. Getting enough sleep can help reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
2. Helps regulate hormones: Sleep helps regulate hormones that are important for maintaining healthy blood pressure, such as cortisol and aldosterone.
3. Improves overall health: Getting enough sleep is important for overall health, which can help lower the risk of developing conditions that can contribute to hypertension, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
4. Promotes relaxation: Good quality sleep promotes relaxation, which can help lower blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health.

To manage hypertension, it is recommended that adults get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, for which the selection of the right mattresses plays a vital role to get ideal sleep. Present day we have mattresses made of weight-induced memory foam, anti-allergenic, anti-dustmite by which we have an undisturbed sleep. It's also important to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, practice good sleep hygiene, and speak with a healthcare professional if you are experiencing sleep disturbances or sleep-related health problems.

How can disrupted sleep patterns affect cause hypertension?

Disrupted sleep patterns can contribute to the development and progression of hypertension. Here's how:
1. Increases stress hormones: Lack of sleep can cause the body to produce more stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can raise blood pressure.
2. Disrupts the body's internal clock: The body has an internal clock that helps regulate blood pressure, among other things. Disrupted sleep patterns, such as shift work or jet lag, can disrupt this clock, leading to increased blood pressure.
3. Reduces overall sleep quality: Poor sleep quality, including difficulty falling or staying asleep, can contribute to increased blood pressure.
4. Contributes to other health problems: Disrupted sleep patterns can also contribute to other health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, which can all increase the risk of developing hypertension.

To manage hypertension, it's important to maintain good sleep habits, such as establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing sleep environment, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and speaking with a healthcare professional if you are experiencing sleep-related health problems.

What are some ways one can reduce hypertension?

There are several ways to reduce hypertension and manage blood pressure levels. Some of the measures you can take are:

Physical exercise:
1. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
2. Incorporate strength training exercises, such as lifting weights or using resistance bands, at least twice a week.
3. Choose physical activities you enjoy to increase the likelihood of sticking to your exercise routine.
4. Speak with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise program.

Diet:
1. Follow a heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products.
2. Limit salt intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day, or even less if advised by a healthcare professional.
3. Reduce consumption of processed and high-fat foods.
4. Limit alcohol consumption.

Sleep cycle:
1. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of good quality sleep each night.
2. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.
3. Create a relaxing sleep environment by keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
4. Selecting a right mattress, having gel foam or a cool technology fabric enabling comfortable sleep
5. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.

Wellness:
1. Practice stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
2. Maintain a healthy weight by adopting a nutritious diet and engaging in regular physical activity.
3. Quit smoking, if applicable.
4. Follow any medical advice provided by a healthcare professional.
It's important to note that these measures may not be sufficient for everyone, and healthcare professionals may recommend additional measures, such as medication, based on individual health needs.

How can people improve their lifestyle to keep hypertension at bay?

There are several lifestyle changes people can make to help keep hypertension at bay and promote overall cardiovascular health. Here are some tips:
1. Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of hypertension. Hence, it is important to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight.
2. Follow a heart-healthy diet: A diet that's high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products can help lower blood pressure. Avoid processed foods and foods high in saturated and trans fats, as these can increase blood pressure.
3. Limit salt intake: Consuming too much salt can raise blood pressure. Aim to limit salt intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day.
4. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help lower blood pressure and promote overall cardiovascular health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
5. Quit smoking: Smoking can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease. Quitting smoking can improve overall cardiovascular health.
6. Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to hypertension. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
7. Limit alcohol intake: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure. Limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
8. Better sleep: Last but not least, the most important is to have an uninterrupted sleep of 8 hours, which can work, only when consumers invest in high-quality mattresses like the weight induced memory foam mattress with special fabrics like Outlast, which acts like a thermostat and helps in uninterrupted sleep even when there is a variation in the room or body temperature.

It's important to note that these lifestyle changes may not be sufficient for everyone, and healthcare professionals may recommend additional measures, such as medication, based on individual health needs.

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