10 Tips to Bring Down Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects millions worldwide and is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. The World Health Organization (WHO) observes World Hypertension Day on May 17th, to create awareness about this dangerous lifestyle condition.

- Rajiv Ambat

Hypertension is diagnosed through regular blood pressure screenings and can be treated with lifestyle changes, medication, and/or other medical interventions.

Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is usually recorded as two numbers – Systolic pressure (the higher number) and diastolic pressure (the lower number). Systolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. A normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg. A reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered hypertension.

Reasons for Hypertension

•Lifestyle factors & Obesity: A diet high in salt, unhealthy fats, and calories, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can all contribute to an increase in blood pressure. A bad lifestyle can lead to arteries losing their stretchiness and elasticity.

•Genetics: A family history of hypertension can increase a person’s risk of developing high blood pressure.

•Age: Blood pressure tends to increase as a person gets older. As we all age, we lose a lot of muscles. This is called ”Age-related Sarcopenia’ and this leads to lower metabolism making people more susceptible to various metabolic disorders, including hypertension.

•Chronic kidney disease: The kidney is one of the prime organs that control blood pressure. Damage to the kidney due to various kidney diseases (Nephropathy) can make the blood pressure go topsy-turvy! Diabetic Nephropathy is one of the most common kidney diseases that happen due to chronic and uncontrolled blood sugar levels. High blood pressure and associated complications are very common in such people.