The Silent Killer Among Us

One Simple BP Check Can Save You from Stroke, Heart Failure, or Kidney Disease

- Dr Muzafar Maqsood Wani Dr Hilal Ahmad Rather

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is an important health issue, affecting millions across age, race and region.

The prevalence increases with age, with notable differences in rates across different populations and regions.

Hypertension often does not cause any symptoms and lacks any warning signs, unless it is in a very high range when it can cause headache, blurring of vision, dizziness, chest discomfort, nose bleeds, confusion and altered sensorium. If left untreated or if uncontrolled despite taking medication it can cause kidney failure, heart disease, visual handicap and stroke. There is no doubt about the role that control of high blood pressure plays in preventing these serious health complications.

While hypertension is a leading cause of premature death, a significant number of individuals even don't know being hypertensive and even if they know most don’t take the medication and a significant proposition of those taking medications don’t have it within the target range.