VIJAYAWADA: How many of you are aware that health problems like high blood pressure also known as hypertension is one of the major health risk factor affecting the youth rather than middle and old age people? Thanks to the fast-paced life characterised by sedentary jobs, lack of exercise and unhealthy eating and lifestyle coupled with loads of stress, even youngsters are now falling prey to high BP. According to cardiologists, hypertension is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases.
Around 95 per cent of high blood pressure cases has no identifiable cause and is referred to as primary or essential hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension among those who are overweight is two and a half times more than among those with normal weight.While even among those with normal weight, hypertension is four times as prevalent in the over-40-year-olds than younger people.
Blood pressure over 140/90 is categorised as hypertension. Blood pressure is the amount of blood pumped out of the heart multiplied by the resistance offered by the blood vessels, especially the arteries in the body. In majority of instances the latter is the major governing force. The relative risk of high BP is greater in women compared to men, says cardiologists.
“We see a lot of people in the 25-28 age group with hypertension. They usually have idiopathic hypertension or essential HT, which is also known as primary hypertension. It has no known causes,” says cardiologist P Ramesh Babu of Ramesh Hospitals.
When it comes to treating lifestyle diseases, exercise and healthy diet play a big role. But there are also other factors to be kept in mind. Dr Ramesh Babu says, “Meditation and regular de-stressing, along with weight control, help battle hypertension. Sleep disturbance should be treated immediately. Good sleeping habits will normalise blood pressure and lead to a healthy heart.” In extremely rare cases, hypertension is caused by severe blockages in the arteries. This can be treated through angioplasty.
“Hypertension in children and adolescents is diagnosed based on age, gender and height- specific references. It is defined as systolic and/ or diastolic BP greater than the 95th percentile for age, gender and height on three or more separate occasions”, says cardiologist G Mahesh of Kamineni Hospitals . BP greater than 90th percentile but less than the 95th percentile for age, sex and height defines “pre-hypertension” and represents a category of patients at high risk for developing hypertension, he added.
Know all about hypertension
Hypertension is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases
Diagnosis of pediatric hypertension is often missed due to the absence of symptoms.
Hypertension is diagnosed based on age, gender and height-specific references
3 stages of hypertension
Prehypertension
Stage I hypertension
Stage II hypertension
10 common symptoms
Headache
Shortness of breath
Pains in the chest
Exhaustion
Nauseous
Changes in skin colour
A ringing sound in the ear
Confused mind
Nose bleeds
Bloody spots in the eye
Here are 10 lifestyle changes you can make to lower your blood pressure and keep it down
Lose extra kilos and watch your waistline
Exercise regularly
Eat a healthy diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products
Reduce sodium in your diet
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
Quit smoking
Cut your caffeine intake
Reduce your stress
Relax with music
Monitor your blood pressure at home and consult your doctor regularly