Vijayawada: Over 40 per cent of people suffer from blood pressure (BP) but are unaware about this adverse health condition. This aspect emerged when Indian Red Cross Society, along with Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Indian Stroke Association (ISA), conducted a free BP check-up camp in Guntur.
The three organisations had organised these camps at 100 centres within Guntur city with the help of 160 doctors and 1,000 volunteers on the occasion of World Stroke Day. They tested around 10,000 people. To their shock, they found that 4,000 people suffering from BP. 1,100 among them had high BP. But they were all unaware of their health condition. Doctors examining them immediately suggested medicines and lifestyle modifications to control their blood pressure.
Doctors observe that salt intake and consumption of packaged foods has increased among people, which are the main cause for BP among masses. Further, Guntur is famous for its spicy foods and most people are habituated to them. This makes them suffer from blood pressure. Doctors said people nowadays are less conscious about healthcare. Hence, they do not undergo health checkups regularly. People come to know about their diseases only during health camps.
ISA executive committee member and senior neurologist Dr P. Vijaya said strokes, cardiovascular diseases and long-term disabilities are associated with BP. Therefore, people above 30 years should undergo regular medical checkups without fail. They must also follow good dietary habits to avoid hypertension.
Neurologists Dr.T. Ramesh and Dr Natraj said at least eight out of 10 strokes can be prevented with control of high blood pressure, moderate exercises five times a week, eating healthy balanced diet, reducing cholesterol, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake, identifying and treating atrial fibrillation and controlling diabetes. Doctors advised people to control their blood pressure, which is the root cause of most diseases.
