Understanding High Blood Pressure
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is called the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms yet significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. It affects 200+ million Indians. At Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi, we provide comprehensive hypertension management.
Blood Pressure Categories
- Normal: Below 120/80 mmHg
- Elevated: 120–129/<80 mmHg
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130–139/80–89 mmHg
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140/90 mmHg or above
- Hypertensive Crisis: Above 180/120 mmHg – seek immediate care
Risk Factors
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Family history
- Obesity and physical inactivity
- High salt diet (very common in India)
- Alcohol and smoking
- Stress
- Diabetes and kidney disease
Lifestyle Modifications (DASH Approach)
- Diet: Reduce salt to less than 5g/day. Increase fruits, vegetables, whole grains. Limit processed foods.
- Weight: Lose excess weight – each kg lost reduces BP by ~1 mmHg
- Exercise: 150 minutes/week of moderate aerobic activity
- Alcohol: Limit to 1 drink/day (women), 2/day (men)
- Quit Smoking: Doubles cardiovascular risk
- Stress Management: Yoga, meditation, adequate sleep
Medications
- First-line: ACE inhibitors/ARBs, Calcium channel blockers, Thiazide diuretics
- Most patients need 2–3 drugs for control
- Do NOT stop medications without consulting your doctor
Hypertension monitoring and management at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi: 011-41670042.
