Home monitoring important to deal with hypertension: Expert

World Hypertension Day is observed on May 17 every year to create awareness about high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases among the public, and this year, the theme is “Measure blood pressure accurately, control it and live longer”

Hyderabad: The Telangana-Hyderabad chapter of Cardiological Society of India (CSI), presided by Dr K Narasa Raju, observed the World Hypertension Day, along with its treasurer Dr Peddi Sridhar Reddy and honorary secretary Dr Athuluri Ravi Kanth.

World Hypertension Day is observed on May 17 every year to create awareness about high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases among the public, and this year, the theme is “Measure blood pressure accurately, control it and live longer”.

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The Hyderabad chapter wants to focus on combating low awareness rates, especially in low to middle income areas and accurate blood pressure measurement methods. According to them, the recommended blood pressure should be less than 140/90 mm of Hg for the general population and 130/80 for people with diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension or high blood pressure can lead to swelling in the brain, heart attack, stroke, permanent blindness and contribute to heart and kidney failure. Blood Pressure is usually measured in both arms and as it may increase during a doctor visit, it is important to take multiple readings at three or more separate appointments. Doctors usually do this before diagnosing someone with high blood pressure. Further tests like ambulatory monitoring, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, etc. can be done.

Home monitoring is also an important way of dealing with high blood pressure but it is not a substitute for visiting doctor. Make sure you use a validated device and also use it once with your doctor to check its accuracy. Devices that measure your blood pressure at wrist or finger are not recommended as they are not as reliable as the arm-cuff ones.

According to CSI’s Hyderabad Chapter, there are several ways to keep blood pressure under check, like following a proper diet, refraining from alcohol and smoking, avoiding foods with high unsaturated fats, processed foods, etc.

Key takeaways

• Eat a balanced diet that is low in salt, unsaturated fat and sugar
• Eat more of high protein, high antioxidant foods like unsalted nuts, green leafy vegetables, beans, etc.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption and quit smoking
• Reduce overall stress and have good quality sleep
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week and lose weight if BMI is over 25

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