Keep your BP in check: Hypertension can make you vulnerable to Covid complications

High BP is a serious medical condition that one of the leading causes of death in the world.

By PTI | Jul 26, 2021, 03.19 PM IST

NEW DELHI: Experts have raised an alarm over the increasing incidence of hypertension, calling it a silent killer that can add to the burden of disease in a country ravaged by the Covid pandemic. Hypertension or high blood pressure is a serious medical condition that is one of the leading causes of death in the world.

After more than a year of the coronavirus pandemic, there is enough evidence that people with high blood pressure are more likely to get severely sick or die if they get Covid, experts have flagged.

The discussion was held at a webinar held to commemorate the 72nd foundation day of Family Planning Association of India (FPA India) on 'Expanding the Horizons of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights'.

"India is going through an epidemiological transition. We must act now. Responding to this crisis, we at FPA India have decided to bring decades of experience in strengthening health systems to work on creating more opportunities for identifying care gaps, bringing about inter-sectoral collaboration and pooling resources so that no opportunity is missed to screen, treat and control hypertension, across all age-groups, geographies and socio-economic strata," staid Dr Kalpana Apte, Secretary General FPA India.

How To Avoid Hypertension In Your 30s: Warning Signs, Treatment

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Young professionals today are no strangers to stress. Workplace pressure, a sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise and a diet heavy on junk items have only precipitated it. Consequently, many in their 30s now stand at a higher risk of hypertension.

We reached out to Dr Narayan Gadkar, Consultant Cardiologist at Mumbai’s Zen Multi Specialty Hospital for some advice. And here is a list of warning signs, symptoms and course of treatment that he recommended.

Vandana Shah, regional director at Global Health Advocacy Incubator, said, "A high prevalence of hypertension exacts a tremendous price on public health. The pandemic has shown us how people living with chronic conditions like hypertension can become sicker and be more at risk of dying."

According to Dr Sonu Goel, Professor, Department of Community Medicine at PGIMER, Chandigarh, "Almost one in five women aged 15-49 years in India has undiagnosed hypertension with implications for personal and reproductive health. We are closely working with the Government of Punjab in controlling this menace through politico-bureaucratic and media advocacy, capacity building of health professionals and generating evidence for policy and practice."

The event also marked the launch of 'Project PrACHI- Prioritizing Advocacy for Control of Hypertension in India', a nationwide campaign supported by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, to accelerate hypertension control and treatment.

World Hypertension Day: BP Shooting Up? Berries, Oats, Bananas Will Keep You Calm

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Hypertension has become a modern-day health concern for people with sedentary lifestyle.

While regular check-ups and physical activities to maintain the soaring blood pressure (BP), one should also ensure a dietary control to stay healthy. Eating a healthy diet, consuming less sodium, reducing alcohol intake, and quitting smoking are some other essential steps people with high BP should follow.

Dr Mayur Jain, Consultant and Interventional Cardiologist at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre shares a list of superfoods that can help you lower blood pressure.

NOTE: People with kidney problems or any underlying conditions should consult a specialists before changing their diet. It is important to monitor your blood pressure twice a week followed by regular check-up by the doctor.