Understanding and Managing High Blood Pressure: Insights from cardiologists

High Blood Pressure, also commonly known as Hypertension, affects countless individuals worldwide. It's a condition that often goes unnoticed until it leads to severe health problems. In an effort to shed light on this silent threat, Republic Digital sought the expertise of two distinguished cardiologists: Dr. Deepak Krishnamurthy, Senior Consultant in Interventional Cardiology at Sakra World Hospital, and Dr. Kaushal Chhatrapati, a renowned MD DM, FACC FSCAI FESC and Senior Interventional Cardiologist. They shared their valuable insights into what causes high blood pressure, its symptoms, and effective ways to manage it.

2 things you need to know

• Hypertension is a common, often symptomless, cardiovascular condition.
• Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can prevent hypertension.

Unmasking High Blood Pressure

Dr. Deepak Krishnamurthy defined High Blood Pressure, stating, "High blood pressure, known as hypertension, is a prevalent condition impacting the body's arteries. It occurs when the force of blood against artery walls remains consistently elevated, causing the heart to exert greater effort in pumping blood."

Understanding the Numbers

"Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) and consists of two numbers," explained Dr. Krishnamurthy. "Systolic Pressure, the higher number, indicates pressure during heartbeats when blood is pumped into the arteries. Diastolic Pressure, the lower number, indicates pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is usually identified when blood pressure measurements consistently read 140/90 mm Hg or above for adults. In the case of individuals with diabetes or kidney disease, the previous standard of 130/80 mm Hg has been revised to 140/90 mm Hg."

(How to measure high blood pressure | Image: Cleaveland Clinic)

High Blood Pressure is also known as Silent Killer -- here's why 

Dr. Kaushal Chhatrapati emphasised the silent nature of high blood pressure, saying, "High blood pressure is often called the silent killer because it typically has no symptoms. However, there are some signs and symptoms that may indicate high blood pressure. These can include headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, and nosebleeds. It's important to note that experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have high blood pressure. Consulting a healthcare professional to get an accurate diagnosis is essential."

Types and Causes of High Blood Pressure

Dr. Krishnamurthy also touched upon the types and causes of high blood pressure, saying, "High blood pressure has two main types: Primary Hypertension, often related to ageing and lifestyle factors like lack of exercise, is the most common type. Secondary Hypertension is caused by medical conditions or medications."

When it comes to the underlying causes, Dr. Krishnamurthy elaborated further, "Primary hypertension doesn't have a single clear cause; it typically results from various factors, including unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity, high alcohol consumption, and more. Secondary hypertension has identifiable causes, such as certain medications, kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, recreational drug use, renal vascular diseases, and tobacco use."

Lifestyle Changes for Lowering Blood Pressure

Dr. Kaushal Chhatrapati provided valuable insights into lifestyle changes that can help lower blood pressure. "One lifestyle change that can lower your blood pressure is to eat a balanced diet, including fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lentils. Reducing sodium-rich foods, engaging in regular physical activity, practising stress management techniques like deep breathing exercises and meditation, quitting smoking, reducing sugar and processed carb intake, and giving up alcohol can all contribute to lower blood pressure levels."

Managing High Blood Pressure Quickly

Dr. Krishnamurthy advised, "Very high blood pressure (160/110 or above) can often lead to severe complications. In such cases, prompt medication is crucial. For less severe hypertension, lifestyle modifications should be attempted for at least three months. These include adopting a healthy diet, limiting salt intake, ensuring adequate sleep, engaging in moderate-intensity aerobic exercises for 35 minutes, five days a week, losing weight if overweight, and avoiding tobacco or alcohol use."

Overall, while high blood pressure may be a common health issue, it's essential to understand its causes, symptoms, and the role lifestyle changes can play in managing and preventing it. Regular check-ups, a heart-healthy lifestyle, and professional guidance are key to safeguarding your cardiovascular health.