Chennai: A global study published in medical journal the Lancet Global health on account of World Hypertension Day reveals that every third person worldwide suffers from high blood pressure but remains unaware of it.
The study reveals that 34.5 per cent of people worldwide had elevated blood pressure, which is above 140/90mmHg, the normal blood pressure. Out of the total affected people, around 17 per cent of them were not receiving treatment and 46.3 per cent were receiving treatment but still had uncontrolled blood pressure.
Researchers from The University of Western Australia and the Royal Perth Hospital Medical Research Foundation collected data from more than 10 lakh people aged above 18 years across 80 countries.
“Normal blood pressure is defined as an average reading no higher than 120/80 mm Hg. A reading of 140/90 or higher is considered high blood pressure, and anything in between is considered and pre-hypertension, which does not show any clear symptoms. High blood pressure will put you at risk of developing a number of health disorders, including those that affect the heart, brain, kidneys, arteries and the eyes,” says Dr Anusha Venkataraman, head, Dr Agarwal's Retina Foundation.
Medicos express concern over the rising prevalence of hypertension despite the various medications available to control blood pressure. A large population of the people being treated for hypertension still has blood pressure above recommended levels, that stresses the lack of adequate treatment.
Dr Vivek K. Nambiar, head of stroke division at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences says, “Those who had hypertension regular medications and periodic follow up with the doctor will help detection of complications early. Those with organ damage due to hypertension example with stroke should be religious in taking medications and should avoid making decisions on their own about stopping medications”.
Daily 45 minutes brisk walk, avoiding excess salt, daily two servings of fruits would be some practical tips that can prevent hypertension. Smoking and regular alcohol intake should be curtailed, he added.
