Certain lifestyle changes help prevent or lower high blood pressure (Photo credit: Pexels)
New Delhi: Checking your blood pressure is one of the ways you get to know how much pressure your blood flow creates in your arteries. If the blood pressure is too high, it can damage the cardiovascular system and hypertension can also lead to the increase of complications like heart attack or stroke.
Dr Komal Pawar Consultant – Cardiology SRV Hospitals – Chembur told News9, “Hypertension also known as high blood pressure, is a health condition where the force of blood against the walls of arteries is constantly too high. Hypertension is often asymptomatic, earning it the nickname “the silent killer.” The risk of heart diseases, high blood pressure, stroke and other serious health issues increases if the blood pressure increases.”
In previous years, one particular problem that has come up as a major threat to heart health: is the rise in hypertension cases across the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning saying that this trend is a global health time bomb that can cause many deaths.
Understanding the root causes of the hypertension surge is crucial for developing effective prevention and management strategies. Several key factors contribute to this global health crisis:
1. Unhealthy Diets: The widespread consumption of processed foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats has contributed to rising blood pressure levels. High salt intake, in particular, is a known risk factor for hypertension.
2. Lack of Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyles have become the norm in many parts of the world. Physical inactivity not only leads to obesity but also increases the risk of hypertension.
3. Stress: The modern, fast-paced lifestyle has brought about increased stress levels for many individuals. Chronic stress can lead to elevated blood pressure.
4. Obesity: The global obesity epidemic is closely linked to hypertension. Excess body weight puts added strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to higher blood pressure.
5. Genetics: Some individuals are genetically predisposed to hypertension, making them more susceptible to developing the condition.
