Strike the Right Balance For a Healthy Living

By Dr. Prashant Tarakant Upasani in Cardiology

Jan 20, 2021

Hypertension (or HTN) or high blood pressure is defined as abnormally high arterial blood pressure. It is also termed as a ‘silent killer’ as very rarely any symptom can be seen in its early stages until a medical crisis takes place like heart attack, stroke, or chronic kidney disease. While the majority of patients with HTN remain asymptomatic, some people with HTN report headaches, lightheadedness, vertigo, altered vision, or fainting episodes. The increasing incidence of chronic diseases can be attributed to rapid urbanization, increasing elderly population, mechanization, sedentary life, and dietary changes. All these combined together act as risk factors which become a reason for several chronic diseases.

The coronavirus pandemic will be etched in history.  The pandemic has brought huge changes in the social and economic lives of a large chunk of the population. The way healthcare is being delivered has also changed in a big way. The new normal of social distancing and remote working has forced us to do a lot of changes in our lifestyle and day to day functioning. As we get used to the new “normal”, we must not forget that other chronic illnesses are still there and we need to take care of those. They cannot be forgotten. And HTN is one such condition. If it is left untreated, it can lead to severe consequences. Reports indicate that people with uncontrolled or untreated high blood pressure may be at risk of getting ill with COVID-19. They are also at a higher risk of complications from COVID-19. Managing HTN amid the coronavirus pandemic is very important. Due to the fear of getting infected by the virus, patients with chronic illnesses have deferred or postponed their routine health check-ups; this move could adversely impact their health.

Monitoring blood pressure at home

During the pandemic times, technology has come at the forefront when it comes to healthcare. Consulting your doctor online eliminates the risk of infection and one can also manage their illness. Besides monitoring your blood pressure at home, using the digital blood pressure monitor can also help you to keep a track of your blood pressure. Ensure that you follow the hypertension management plan given by your doctor. Making changes in your lifestyle and taking your medications as prescribed can go a long way in managing your high blood pressure.

Here are a few steps you can consider to ensure a healthy living with hypertension:

• Heart-healthy foods – a way of life. Consider the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy foods. 
• Ensure that you decrease the salt in your diet.  Consult your doctor for how much salt intake in a day should be good for you (as per WHO recommendation 2-3 grams of salt intake per day is ideal).
• Manage your weight. If you are having excess weight, consider losing it. Shedding even a little weight can reduce your blood pressure. 
• Stay active. Follow an exercise routine. It also helps to lower blood pressure and stress reduction as well as weight loss. 
• Manage your stress. Try coping mechanisms to keep your stress levels under check. Involve yourself in activities that you enjoy. Deep breathing exercises, yoga and meditation also help to keep stress levels low. 
• Avoid too much alcohol. It can raise blood pressure. Also, quit smoking. 
• Big journeys begin with small steps. Take small steps to keep your hypertension under control. Live a healthy and happier life.