Initiated by The World Hypertension League (WHL), World Hypertension Day is observed on May 17 every year to increase awareness about this silent killer among people. The day was first launched in the year 2005 on May 14 but now May 17 is dedicated as the World Hypertension Day. The day also has a theme every year. In 2005, when the World Hypertension day was inaugurated, the theme was ‘Awareness of high blood pressure’. In 2006, the theme was ‘Treat to goal’ while the theme for 2007 was ‘Healthy diet, healthy blood pressure’. In 2008, the theme was ‘Measure your blood pressure…at home’. From 2013 to 2018, the theme will be ‘Know Your Numbers.’ With these themes, the WHL aims to educate the public not just about hypertension but also about preventive measures and the treatments available. (ALSO READ Best Healthy Stress-relieving foods: Top 7 healthy mood-boosting foods to eat when you’re stressed).
Hypertension, which is commonly known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition in which the arterial blood pressure is elevated. This long term condition is also known as a silent killer because usually there are no clear signs or symptoms. Symptoms like irregular heartbeat, breathing difficulty, ringing in the ear, dizziness, blurred vision, headache, confusion, palpitation are associated with severe hypertension. Hypertension may lead to stroke, vision loss, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, coronary artery disease and kidney disease. (ALSO READ Suffering from high BP? Try yoga).
High blood pressure
The normal blood pressure level is lower than 140.90 mmHg but for people suffering from hypertension the recommended blood pressure levels are lower than 130.80 mm Hg. Hypertension or high blood pressure is categorized into primary high blood pressure and secondary high blood pressure. The primary high blood pressure category, which can be described as a condition caused by non-specific genetic or lifestyle factor, accounts for around 90 to 95 percent of the cases. Alcohol, smoking, body weight, excess salt are included in the lifestyle factors that ups the risk of hypertension. The secondary high blood pressure category accounts for the five to ten percent of the cases. The secondary category can be described as a condition caused by identifiable factors like an endocrine disorder, kidney disease, use of birth control pills and narrowing arteries in the kidney.
Hypertension is a major health issue across the globe and it is predicted that the number of people with hypertension will be 1.56 billion by the year 2025 across the world. In India, one in every five suffers from high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart diseases.
The most surprising thing about hypertension is that those who suffer from this condition are usually unaware about it. Here are some tips to prevent hypertension.
1. Go for regular blood pressure checkups: It is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly to prevent the condition or to consult your doctor as soon as you see a rise in the blood pressure levels.
No Salt
2. Reduce salt intake: Decreasing the amount of salt will help you to manage your blood pressure. Avoid adding extra salt to your dishes and try to have low-sodium diet.
3. Maintain healthy body weight: Excess weight is a common risk factor for many diseases. It is important to have a normal body weight to maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels. (ALSO READ Try these 5 workout routines in 2017 to lose weight and get fit!)
4. Stay active and healthy: Keep yourself healthy by exercising or engaging in physical activities. Living a healthy life will lower the risk of hypertension and the workouts will keep your heart healthy. Try to include 30-minute workout session in your daily routine.
5. Stay away from alcohol and oily food: Drinking alcohol, fatty food, smoking, lack of physical activities and excess body weight will increase the risk of high blood pressure. (ALSO READ Health benefits of ginger: 10 amazing health benefits of ginger).
6. Add ginger to your food: Ginger is one of the miracle spices. Loaded with nutrients, ginger improves blood circulation, controls blood pressure and relaxes the muscles. Try to include it in your diet by adding it to your teas, soups and curries.
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