&w=3840&q=100)
What rising blood pressure means for your health, and what to do about it
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is often called a silent killer. It causes over 12.8 per cent of all deaths globally, according to WHO. You may feel perfectly fine, yet your blood vessels could be under constant strain, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious complications.
How is blood pressure measured?
Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It's measured using two numbers:
A normal reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg.
What causes high blood pressure?
Dr Ajith Pillai, Chief Cardiologist at Kauvery Hospital, Chennai, explains that hypertension may develop over time due to:
Obesity and poor diet (especially high salt intake)
Stress and lack of physical activity
Smoking and alcohol use
Chronic diseases like diabetes and kidney conditions
Hormonal issues or sleep apnoea
Family history of hypertension
Primary hypertension has no identifiable cause, while secondary hypertension stems from other conditions.
Why is hypertension awareness so important?
A 2023 Indian Journal of Public Health study shows:
24–30% of urban Indians and 12–14% of rural population have hypertension
Hypertension causes 54% of strokes and 47% of heart disease cases globally
By 2030, it may lead to 12.5 million deaths annually
Dr Pillai noted: 'Only 1 in 3 people are diagnosed, and less than 1 in 5 are treated effectively. Resistant hypertension needs urgent attention.'
What symptoms should you watch out for?
Often, hypertension is symptomless. But some people may experience:
Headaches or dizziness
Nosebleeds and blurry vision
Abnormal heart rhythms
Shortness of breath or buzzing in ears
Resistant hypertension, when BP remains high despite three or more medications, requires specialised care.
Can you prevent high blood pressure?
WHO recommends:
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Lower salt and sugar intake
At least 30 minutes of physical activity most days
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol
Managing stress with meditation or therapy
What are the treatment options for high BP?
Management may include:
Lifestyle changes
Regular BP monitoring
Medication such as ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics
Monthly medication costs: ₹100–₹1,000 depending on the brand.
For resistant hypertension, newer options like renal denervation (RDN) offer hope.
What about low blood pressure?
Low blood pressure (hypotension) is defined as readings below 90/60 mmHg. While some live with it without symptoms, others may face:
Dizziness, fainting, or nausea
Blurred vision
Cold, clammy skin
Fatigue
What causes hypotension?
Dehydration or prolonged bed rest
Certain medications
Heart or hormonal disorders
Pregnancy or low blood volume
Managing low BP includes:
Staying hydrated
Eating smaller meals more frequently
Increasing salt (under doctor's advice)
Wearing compression stockings
Adjusting medication
Monthly management cost: ₹50–₹300, possibly more with hospitalisation.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Hindu
a few seconds ago
- The Hindu
RSS arm seeks clarity on draft guidelines on biosimilars
Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), economic wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), urged the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), the apex drug regulatory authority, to bring more clarity in its draft guidelines to ensure production of high-quality and cost-effective biosimilars in the country. In a letter to the Director General of CDSCO, SJM sought safeguards for the Indian industry from 'international pressures for regulations' that favour multi-national pharma companies. The CDSCO had recently issued the 2025 draft guidelines on similar biologics, also called biosimilars. 'Though the draft guidelines represent a pivotal advancement in making affordable, life-saving biosimilars accessible to millions of Indians suffering from chronic and life-threatening conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders it requires more clarity and direction,' the SJM letter reads. The SJM appreciated the draft guidelines for embracing the '3Rs principle' (replacement, reduction, refinement) as it reflects India's commitment to ethical scientific practices and alignment with global standards for animal welfare. Modern technologies, including in-vitro assays, organ-on-chip models, and computational simulations, provide robust, accurate, and humane alternatives to confirm the safety and biosimilarity of these drugs, it said. 'These methods are often faster and more precise than animal studies, reducing both ethical concerns and development costs,' it added. The organisation, however, noted that the guidelines stipulating that it will be the discretion of the CDSCO to decide whether a requirement of 'additional non-clinical in vivo animal studies' should be waived or not, poses a 'risk' of increasing biosimilar development cost. This provision goes against the practices of the leading regulatory authorities in other countries, it added. 'Prominent regulatory authorities like the UK MHRA, European Medicine Agency (EMA) Health Canada, and USFDA have either eliminated or phased out mandatory animal testing for biosimilars,' SJM said, adding its recommendation that waiving animal studies entirely when comprehensive laboratory tests demonstrate high similarity between a biosimilar and its reference product. Recently, civil societies, in a letter to CDSCO on the draft guidelines on biosimilars, has urged that there is an urgent need to eliminate unnecessary animal studies, and establish clear conditions for requiring comparative clinical trials for affordable biosimilars without compromising safety and efficacy. According to the SJM, the draft guidelines' provision to waive certain clinical trials when biosimilarity is established through analytical and functional studies is a forward-thinking measure, saying this approach can significantly reduce development costs and expedite market entry, which is critical for patients awaiting affordable treatments. However, the lack of explicit criteria in the guidelines for when waivers are permitted introduces ambiguity, potentially leading to inconsistent application and delays as well as 'room for corrupt practices', it said, stressing the need to establish 'clear conditions' for conduct of clinical trials.


News18
3 hours ago
- News18
Cancer care projects launched in 3 Punjab districts
Agency: PTI Last Updated: Chandigarh, Jul 30 (PTI) The Punjab government, in partnership with WHO, has launched a pilot cancer care project each in Bathinda, Mohali, and Gurdaspur, Health Minister Balbir Singh said on Wednesday. This initiative is aimed at early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of oral, breast, and cervical cancers – three of the most prevalent and preventable cancers in India, he said. The move aligns with the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, and strives to integrate cancer care across Punjab's public health system, right from Ayushman Arogya Kendras at the grassroots to advanced hospitals. In Punjab, at present, over 60 per cent of cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, leaving limited scope for effective intervention, the minister said. 'Cancer does not mean death. It is very much curable if diagnosed in time. Early detection is the keystone of cancer care. This initiative is a reflection of our belief in health as a fundamental right and our resolve to build a resilient and inclusive health system for all," he said. Balbir Singh also claimed unhealthy lifestyles and poor dietary habits were critical contributors to rising cancer incidents, advised against leading a sedentary lifestyle. Dr Roderico H Ofrin, the WHO representative to India, praised the initiative, Mission Umeed, and said that it stands out as a leader in cancer care in the country. 'WHO is proud to be a partner in this important initiative, and will continue offering its full technical support to make this model a replicable success across India," he said. The pilot adopts a three-tier model and offers a wide range of interventions, such as universal screening of individuals aged 30 and above, bolstering frontline workers and clinical staff, follow-up and referral systems, and digital monitoring via the NP-NCD portal. PTI CHS VN VN view comments First Published: July 31, 2025, 00:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Punjab govt joins hands with WHO to launch cancer care project in 3 districts
Chandigarh: Punjab govt has, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), launched a comprehensive cancer care pilot project in Bathinda, Mohali, and Gurdaspur districts. The project was jointly unveiled by Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh and WHO representative Dr Roderico Ofrin on Wednesday. The initiative is designed to enhance early detection, timely diagnosis, and prompt treatment of oral, breast, and cervical cancers — three of the most prevalent and preventable cancers in India — through a decentralised, systems-based approach. It aligns strategically with the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) and aims to seamlessly integrate cancer care into all levels of Punjab's public health system — right from Ayushman Arogya Kendras at the grassroots to advanced tertiary care hospitals. This synergy is aimed at reversing the current trend, where over 60% of cancer cases in Punjab are diagnosed at advanced stages, leaving limited scope for effective intervention. Addressing the gathering, Dr Balbir Singh said early detection was the cornerstone of cancer care. "This initiative is a reflection of our belief in health as a fundamental right, and our resolve to build a resilient and inclusive health system for all. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn More - How Donating Sperm May Boost Your Income SpellRock Undo We are leading by example and showing how innovation, backed by strong partnerships, can deliver life-saving outcomes," he said. The minister called for attention to unhealthy lifestyles and poor dietary habits. Dr Ofrin applauded Punjab's public health vision and efforts toward the prevention and control of NCDs. He said Mission Umeed, with its comprehensive action plan, stood out as a leader in comprehensive cancer care in the country.