Ahead of World Hypertension day on May 17, gynecologist Dr Swathi Gogineni shared tips on reducing hypertension among women.
Gogineni defined hypertension as having systolic blood pressure level lesser than 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure level lesser than 90 mmHg. She further shared statistics regarding hypertension among Indians, 24% of adult Indian men and 21.3% of adult Indian women are hypertensive. In all, 33-40% of people in urban areas are afflicted with hypertension whereas in rural areas it is 12-17%. At least 24.8% of women all over the world are hypertensives. In Telangana, 26.1% of women are hypertensives. High blood pressure is often underestimated and undiagnosed among women. Only 14.5% of individuals with hypertension are on treatment.
High blood pressure is not always accompanied by symptoms. Usual symptoms include dizziness, skin flushing etc. Stress related habits such as eating more, obesity, family history, using tobacco or drinking alcohol. Chronic conditions like kidney disease, diabetes mellitus and sleep apnoea can lead to high blood pressure and have been identified as factors for hypertension among women.
The gynecologist further said, “Pregnancy can test the stress level of the heart. Health issues during pregnancy, even if they disappear afterwards, can signal trouble for your heart. Many women don’t get back to their pre-pregnancy weight within 12 months post-partum. This may also raise their risk for cardiac problems. Deep sleep allows the heart to recuperate from the day with periods of lowered blood pressure and heart rate. Lack of sleep increases the risk of hypertension. Long period of sedentary lifestyle also increases the risk of hypertension.”
Gogineni also shared the following tips to manage hypertension including increased fruit and vegetable intake; reducing salt intake to less than one teaspoon a day; consuming a balanced diet; quit smoking or chewing tobacco; limiting alcohol consumption to two drinks per day or nine drinks per week; increase physical activity and engage in it for at least half-an-hour; achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and waist circumference below 88 centimeters; having adequate sleep and staying connected with people who are close to us; controlling blood sugar levels; maintain a blood pressure log and being regular with the prescribed medication.
