Dr. Bipeenchandra Bhamre of Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital underscores the critical importance of managing high blood pressure through lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring. Doing so can prevent serious health complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, and vision problems.
Understanding High Blood Pressure
Is your blood pressure consistently above the range recommended by your doctor? If so, immediate action is necessary to lower it, as high blood pressure can lead to numerous life-threatening health issues. Contributing factors include a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight, stress, lack of exercise, smoking, a sodium-rich diet, and family history. Unmanaged hypertension significantly increases the risk of severe health problems, resulting in higher mortality and morbidity rates.
Health Issues Caused by Unmanaged High Blood Pressure
- Heart Attack and Stroke: High blood pressure damages artery walls, leading to plaque deposits that harden, narrow, or block the arteries. These deposits can cause blood clots that block blood flow to the heart or brain, resulting in a heart attack or stroke.
- Heart Failure: Narrowed or thickened arteries force the heart to work harder to circulate blood. This increased workload can enlarge the heart and reduce its efficiency in supplying blood to organs, potentially leading to heart failure.
- Sexual Dysfunction: Men with high blood pressure may experience erectile dysfunction, while women may suffer from reduced libido.
- Chest Pain (Angina): Insufficient blood supply to the heart, particularly during physical activities, can cause angina, leading to chest pain, pressure, or a feeling of fullness. Immediate treatment is required in such cases.
- Kidney Damage: High blood pressure can damage the arteries around the kidneys, leading to kidney failure. This condition may necessitate dialysis or a kidney transplant.
- Vision Problems: High blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes, potentially causing permanent vision loss.
Preventive Measures
To effectively manage blood pressure:
- Eat a well-balanced diet.
- Exercise daily.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation.
- Take prescribed medications.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly at home.
Conclusion
Controlling blood pressure is essential for maintaining overall health and preventing serious complications. Dr. Bipeenchandra Bhamre, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai, emphasizes the need for proactive management of high blood pressure through a combination of lifestyle modifications, medication, and consistent monitoring.
