Latest news with #HypertensionDay
Mint
2 days ago
- Health
- Mint
How to manage high blood pressure with simple lifestyle tweaks
Just under a month ago, the world celebrated Hypertension Day on May 17. Considering an even more recent report published by online medical site Healio, Hypertension unawareness rose from 2013 to 2023, you might reason that having a day just for this condition that silently creeps on us is essential. Furthermore, a May 2024 WHO (World Health Organisation) report states that Indians have been consuming nearly twice the recommended amount of sodium (10.98 gms). And this is making the population more susceptible to high blood pressure (hypertension). WHO's recommendation is to use Lower Sodium Salt Substitutes (LSSS). Unavoidable as hypertension or blood pressure is, Lounge spoke to experts to know if there are simple tweaks you could make to your daily to control this condition before it turns severe. Also read: A guide to understanding inflammation and ways to combat it's negative effects 'While the risk of developing hypertension increases as one ages, recent research has revealed alarming statistics about its prevalence among Indian adolescents, with rates as high as 25 per cent. That's why it's important for people with a family history of diabetes and hypertension to start getting regular BP checks in their mid-20s. Others can wait until their early 30s to start testing for hypertension," says Dr Anuja Agarwala, vice president, Indian Dietetic Association, Delhi. According to Agarwala, parents should be aware that hypertension can exist in children too. So, if high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases run in the family, schedule regular BP checks for your children too. SYMPTOMS 'About a decade back, hypertension would happen to those in their 50s. These days, due to high stress, lifestyle, genetic factors and addictions, people are getting hypertension at even 28. And the risk is higher if you're obese," notes Dr Swarup Swaraj Pal, head of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai. Pal explains that hypertension happens when calcium gets deposited in the lining of the blood vessels, causing it to harden. This adds pressure to the heart as it's pumping harder. If left unattended, this can eventually result in cardiovascular disease. The most common symptoms of hypertension, according to Pal, are sleep deprivation, an inability to focus, throbbing headaches and fluctuation in energy levels. More serious symptoms could include blacking out and being on the verge of collapsing. 'Get your blood pressure checked every three-six months, especially if you're above 30," he advises, and reiterates that the risk of one being affected by hypertension is high if you have parents who are obese or have a history of heart disease. 'While women are more or less protected by the hormone estrogen till age 45 or 50, after menopause, they too are at a risk of suffering from hypertension," Pal adds. Hypertension, Agarwala says, manifests in symptoms as small as headaches. 'What makes it particularly dangerous is that it does not cause specific symptoms until it's too late. If not managed well, hypertension can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease," she cautions. Also read: Why short bursts of cold showers are good for you WAYS TO MANAGE HYPERTENSION Apart from medication, Agarwala's top tips for managing hypertension naturally include quitting drinking and smoking; getting adequate sleep for about eight hours; reducing exposure to stressful environments– if your work environment is stressful, step out every four hours or so; and exercise three-four times a week. She cannot stress enough about the importance of physical exercises. 'It is important to make time for it at least 3-4 times a week. But those who are unable to dedicate time for exercise should try and include more walking into their daily routine. Walking 10,000 steps a day is considered beneficial for your cardiovascular health." It's also crucial to be aware of how sodium insidiously adds up in your diet. It might be the chutney you eat at lunch or those rice crackers you have at tea. According to Agarwala, including fruits and vegetables in your diet is another effective way to maintain healthy blood pressure. GET CREATIVE WITH INGREDIENTS Mysuru-based Dr. Jamuna Prakash, former professor, food science and nutrition, University of Mysore, says, managing hypertension isn't about entirely cutting out namkeens us Indians are so fond of from our diet, but consuming it judiciously. 'Whilst cooking, pairing salt with low-sodium seasonings like MSG (monosodium glutamate), along with an assortment of herbs and spices, can bring out an ideal balance of umami, saltiness, and other traditional Indian flavors—making for a satisfying meal without the need for additional sodium," she says. Adding smokiness to your paneer and chicken preparations can provide additional complexity to the flavor profile of the dish, says Mumbai-based chef Ajay Chopra. 'Borrowing from culinary practices around the world, like using kombu or seaweed broth, as done in Japan, can create umami in certain soups and curries. Adding lemon juice is another way to add flavour to your dishes, and stimulate your taste buds," he notes. Sumitra Nair is an independent journalist based in Kochi. Also read: Anxiety attacks: When should you get treated?
India.com
17-05-2025
- Health
- India.com
World Hypertension Day 2025: How Yoga Can Help Manage And Reduce High Blood Pressure Naturally
On the occasion of World Hypertension Day, embracing yoga is more than just a wellness trend—it's a step toward a healthier, balanced life. With its gentle postures, deep breathing, and calming meditative practices, yoga offers a natural and effective way to manage high blood pressure and reduce stress. "Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a global health challenge that often develops silently and progressively," says Indira C H, Yoga Expert at Cult. Indira says, "Fortunately, yoga offers a natural, accessible, and highly effective way to manage and prevent hypertension by integrating body, breath, and mind." Indira lists the importance of yoga on Hypertension Day:- 1. How Yoga Helps with Hypertension Indira says, "Yoga calms the nervous system, enhances circulation, and lowers stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. It shifts the body out of the sympathetic 'fight or flight' mode and activates the parasympathetic 'rest and digest' response—leading to naturally lower blood pressure and heart rate." 2. Effective Asanas for Lowering Blood Pressure "Gentle, restorative poses that soothe the nervous system are ideal. Sukhasana (Easy Pose), Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall), Balasana (Child's Pose), Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose), Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward-Facing Dog), and Shavasana (Corpse Pose) all encourage deep relaxation, better circulation, and mindful breathing. Adho Mukha Shvanasana, when practiced gently, improves blood flow to the brain while grounding the heart—a beneficial posture for those managing hypertension," explains Indira. 3. Yoga and Medication Yoga should complement—not replace—medical treatment. Over time, a regular yoga practice may help reduce medication dosage under medical guidance, but it is not a substitute for professional care. 4. Stress and Hypertension Chronic stress significantly contributes to elevated blood pressure. Yoga helps manage this by promoting self-awareness, mental clarity, and nervous system regulation. The conscious relaxation and presence cultivated in yoga play a key role in controlling stress-induced hypertension. 5. Pranayama and Meditation for Heart Health Indira says, "Breathwork is central to yoga's impact on hypertension. Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) is especially powerful when practiced with emphasis on longer exhalation. The slow, extended exhale stimulates the vagus nerve, which slows down the heart rate and reduces sympathetic nervous activity. This directly counteracts the 'hyper' state often seen in those with high blood pressure, promoting calmness and balance." Additionally, Sheetali and Sheetkari (cooling pranayamas) help calm the mind and reduce body heat, while Bhramari (bee breath) soothes the brain and alleviates anxiety, offering emotional support for those with hypertension. 6. Poses to Avoid Avoid high-intensity flows, forceful pranayama like Kapalabhati and Bhastrika, and strong inversions such as Sarvangasana and Sirsasana. These can spike blood pressure and overstimulate the nervous system. 7. Advice for Beginners If you're new to yoga and managing hypertension, begin with breath awareness and simple stretches under the guidance of a trained instructor. Prioritize rest, breath, and mindfulness over intensity or performance. 8. Importance of Consistency A steady, daily practice—even 20–30 minutes—is more effective than occasional effort. Long-term consistency in yoga helps sustain healthy blood pressure, improve heart rate variability, and build emotional resilience. 9. Combine Yoga with Lifestyle Changes "For best results, combine yoga with a heart-healthy diet, low sodium intake, adequate hydration, stress reduction techniques, and good sleep hygiene. Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, and maintain a healthy weight," says Indira. On this World Hypertension Day, let yoga be your path to a more peaceful mind and a healthier heart. Through simple daily practices—especially mindful breathing and long exhalation—you can shift from tension to tranquility, and from pressure to peace.
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Business Standard
16-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
World Hypertension Day 2025: History, theme, summer foods for BP management
World Hypertension Day is observed every May 17 to raise awareness about the dangers of high blood pressure and promote healthier living. The day serves as a global reminder of the importance of monitoring blood pressure regularly and understanding the serious health risks associated with hypertension. Marked by campaigns and health initiatives worldwide, the aim is to highlight how unchecked hypertension can lead to severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other life-threatening conditions. The observance also encourages people to adopt preventive measures through regular screenings and lifestyle changes. World Hypertension Day 2025: Theme "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer" is the theme for World Hypertension Day 2025. Every year, World Hypertension Day is observed with a theme highlighting a key aspect of managing, preventing, or raising hypertension awareness. World Hypertension Day: History World Hypertension Day was established in 2005 by the World Hypertension League (WHL), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to addressing the global health crisis posed by high blood pressure. The WHL launched the initiative to raise public awareness about hypertension and its potentially serious consequences, aiming to promote early detection, prevention, and management of the condition worldwide. This day has gained international recognition due to the growing importance of this condition, and an increasing number of governments, non-profit organisations, and health organisations are joining the effort to emphasise the significance of blood pressure management. Significance of World Hypertension Day Hypertension is sometimes called the "silent killer" since it typically does not show until the heart, kidneys, or brain have been seriously damaged. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 1.13 billion people worldwide suffer from excessive blood pressure. Sadly, a large number of them remain undiagnosed or untreated, putting them at risk for major health problems. Therefore, the WHL aimed to decrease the number of people experiencing difficulties from uncontrolled hypertension and to educate the public. It is a wake-up call for communities, people, and healthcare systems. Hypertension Day special: Best 5 summer foods that can help your BP management 1. Cucumber Cool cucumbers in summers are great for lowering blood pressure. Low in calories and high in potassium, they aid in blood vessel relaxation and the excretion of excess salt through urine, both of which are essential for preserving healthy blood pressure levels. 2. Tomatoes Lycopene, an antioxidant not only lowers BP but also reduces risk of heart disease, is abundant in juicy summer tomatoes. They are a heart-healthy addition to salads, soups, or even drinks during the hot season because they also contain potassium and vitamin C. 3. Leafy greens Nitrates, which are abundant in many summer greens, help the body produce nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Additionally, they are rich in potassium and magnesium, two essential elements that promote heart health. 4. Lemons On a hot day, a drink of lemon water is not only refreshing but also therapeutic. Vitamin C and flavonoids found in lemons aid in vascular health and inflammation reduction. They also help the body eliminate extra sodium by acting as a mild diuretic. 5. Garlic Garlic is a simple addition to many summer recipes, but it is not seasonal. Allicin, a substance that relaxes blood arteries and lowers blood pressure, is present in it. There are quantifiable advantages to using raw garlic in salads or dips.
NDTV
16-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
World Hypertension Day 2025: The Cost Of Ignoring Blood Pressure- Heart Attacks, Stroke And Other Complications
World Hypertension Day is a global event that aims to raise awareness about high blood pressure and the need to maintain healthy blood pressure numbers. The theme for World Hypertension Day 2025 is 'Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!' This year's theme aims to highlight the importance of regular BP screenings. High blood pressure or hypertension has become more common than ever. It is also known as a silent killer, as it does not show any symptoms until serious damage has already been done to the body. When blood pressure remains elevated over time, it puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. This can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and even vision loss. "High BP or hypertension affects the heart and causes damage to other organs like the brain, kidneys, eyes, etc. Generally, a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg or higher is considered hypertension," says Dr Shovana Vaishnavi, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida. She further explained the complications of uncontrolled blood pressure. Keep reading to know all the details. Hypertension Day: Complications of high blood pressure 1. Damage to the arteries High blood pressure can cause damage to the arteries themselves, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition characterised by the buildup of fatty deposits in the arterial walls. This can result in reduced blood flow, leading to heart attacks or strokes. 2. Damage to the heart High blood pressure can lead to coronary artery disease, wherein narrowing of the artery causes limited flow of blood to the heart, causing chest pain, called angina. Additionally, hypertension can lead to heart failure due to excessive strain on the heart, which weakens or stiffens the heart muscle. 3. Damage to the brain Hypertension can lead to limited blood flow to the brain, which can cause conditions such as a transient ischemic attack, also called a mini-stroke. "High BP can cause stroke, which happens due to an inadequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain or due to internal bleeding inside or around the brain," the expert adds. 4. Damage to the kidneys High blood pressure can weaken the blood vessels, impairing their ability to filter waste from the blood, potentially resulting in kidney disease or failure. 5. Damage to the eyes High BP can damage the small blood vessels that are present in the retina and contribute to a condition called hypertensive retinopathy. It can cause blurred vision, headaches and even complete vision loss if left uncontrolled. High blood pressure can be more harmful than you think. However, it can be effectively managed with diet and lifestyle modifications. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, exercise regularly and reduce salt intake to maintain healthy blood pressure numbers. (Dr Shovana Vaishnavi, Senior Consultant - Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida) Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump ‘hare-brained' third term talk a distraction from Signal leak: Ana Navarro
Ana Navarro, a co-host of ABC's 'The View,' says President Trump is floating the idea of a third term as way to distract from other headlines that are swirling around his administration. 'He is the distractor in chief,' Navarro said. 'So he doesn't want us to keep talking about Signalgate, which is a real threat to national security and everyday more details are revealed that show us how incompetent and reckless his national security team is.' Navarro said she has 'learned the lesson of taking him seriously,' no matter 'how hare brained' what the president says is. The president 'doesn't want us to talk about the way he is tanking the stock market with his imbecilic tariffs,' Navarro said. 'What he's calling Liberation Day should be called Hypertension Day because it's going to give us all a heart attack,' she quipped. The pundit's comments were first highlighted by Mediaite. Trump on Sunday said he's 'not joking' about the possibility of running for a third term. 'We're in the high 70s in many polls, in the real polls, and you see that. And, and you know, we're very popular. And you know, a lot of people would like me to do that,' Trump told NBC's Kristen Welker over the weekend. 'But, I mean, I basically tell them, we have a long way to go, you know, it's very early in the administration.' Navarro accused Trump of playing a game with media headlines and trying to distract from the consequences of his agenda on immigration, health care and the economy. 'He doesn't want us to be talking about any of those things. And he wants us to be talking about this,' she said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
