We all know about headache, dizziness, chest pain and restlessness as typical symptoms of high blood pressure, but we are unaware of some of the lesser known symptoms of high blood pressure like nose bleeds which can be devastating and ICU May call in for admission, says Dr. Salva. Shortness of breath and swollen feet are some of the lesser known symptoms that also occur in cases of high blood pressure. Unbearable nausea and vomiting can be a sign of uncontrolled high blood pressure and often brings one to the outpatient department. Some signs like dark spots in vision and sudden onset of one-sided decrease in vision can be a telltale sign and should not be missed.
Talking about the change in age group for most of the non-communicable diseases, Dr. Salva says that hypertension is no exception. “Nowadays we have seen people in the age group of 30 to 40 who have high blood pressure and they deserve to be treated for it. Along with this there has also been an increase in the complications of hypertension i.e. stroke and myocardial infarction, even kidney failure in the 40 to 50 age group which was not seen in the last decade.
Hypertension is a lifestyle disease but at the same time we cannot deny its genetic component. Personal factors such as stress in daily life, working beyond one’s capacity, taking drugs or peer pressure to relieve stress and above all poor eating habits have led to high blood pressure in youth. .
There are some measures by which a person can control the risk of high blood pressure. Dr. Sanjay Mittal Director – Clinical and Preventive Cardiology, Heart Institute, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram recommends the following:
Learn to be patient and control anger Some people who lose their patience easily are advised to follow yoga and meditation.
Follow stressful activities Stress and anxiety temporarily elevate blood pressure, which, if not given proper attention, can become a long-term problem. Laughter therapy and clapping are recommended for people to help distract them, relieve pain and stress, and improve their sense of living.
Improve sleep cycle Less sleep increases the risk factors for high blood sugar levels and increases the risk/worsening of blood sugar levels. Our body releases hormones during sleep that help repair cells and regulate the body’s use of energy. Unhealthy sleep routine, increased screen time leads to energy consumption which ultimately makes people feel sleepy during day time. Lack of sleep can lead to confusion, anxiety, overeating and conditions such as diabetes that increase the risk of high blood pressure three-fold. People should avoid sleeping during the day, stay in bright light as much as possible during the day, avoid caffeine at night, maintain a routine and avoid alcohol consumption.
Maintaining a healthy weight- It has been observed that belly fat (pear shaped body) refers to an increase in insulin resistance which further gets converted into high blood pressure. People should control their sugar intake and avoid sweets, sugary drinks and red meat.
Staying fit and exercising regularly There are some myths associated with people with high blood pressure, that they should avoid physical activities as it can increase their BP which is not true. Physical activities help control high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension), it also helps manage weight, strengthens the heart and reduces stress levels. People with high blood pressure can consult their trainer and doctor to follow physical activities that may not cause any harm.
Dietary approach to control high blood pressure, in other words, known as DASH diet for high blood pressurePeople should follow a diet rich in citrus and high-fiber fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods. Diet The DASH diet involves eating 3 times more than normal in various food groups, including grains, vegetables, fruits, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, meat, poultry and fish.
Control salt intakeHypertension is caused by the consumption of too much salt. Too much salt makes the body hold onto water. If someone eats too much salt, the extra water in the blood puts extra pressure on the walls of blood vessels, raising your blood pressure. People can consume salt rich in potassium, which reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by lowering blood pressure.
environmental factors –Environmental factors can significantly elevate arterial blood pressure (BP), including cold temperatures, high altitudes, loud noises and ambient air pollutants. It is important for people to understand the triggers and to stay away from them.
Low fat and controlled carbohydrate intake People focus on controlling their fat intake and sometimes ignore carb intake. Both high- and low-carbohydrate diets were associated with an increased risk of new-onset hypertension. A controlled low-carb diet helps improve insulin resistance, promoting sodium loss in the urine that ultimately improves blood pressure.