Hypertension - The Silent Disease

Understanding the term “Blood pressure”….

Reducing blood pressure by 10 mmHg reduces the risk of all cause mortality by 13%. According to WHO, One in 4 men and One in 5 women globally suffer from hypertension.

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Arteries carry blood from the heart to other parts of your body.

Blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day, but it can damage the heart and cause health problems if it stays high for a long time. 

Blood pressure is measured using two numbers: Systolic and Diastolic

The first number, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.

The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

Normal Blood Pressure is 120/80 mmHg

Understanding the term “Hypertension” or High blood pressure….

Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is blood pressure that is higher than normal. It is persistently high arterial blood pressure, defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 140mm Hg or higher or a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 90 mm Hg or higher.

Ideal method of blood pressure measurement and diagnosis of Hypertension….

Blood pressure should be measured with a well calibrated sphygmomanometer. The cuff should encircle at least 80% of the arm circumference. Reading should be taken after the patient has been resting comfortably for at least 5 minutes and at least 30 minutes after smoking or coffee ingestion.

Important facts about Blood pressure….

• A high waist circumference, high waist-hip ratio, high-waist height ratio and high body mass index (BMI) increases your chances of having high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar.
• Blood pressure is normally lowest at night and the loss of this night-time dip is strongly associated with cardiovascular risk, particularly thrombotic stroke. An increase in the normal morning blood pressure is associated with increased likelihood of brain haemorrhage.
• In winters the blood pressure rises in comparison to summers, so it is advisable to get your medication & dietary intake adjustments done accordingly. In addition lifestyle changes will also help in keeping your BP controlled.
• 1 kg increase in body weight, increases risk of Hypertension by 5% as was evident in a large study conducted on women
• The Framingham Study found that hypertension is about twice as prevalent in the obese as the non obese of both sexes.
• Weight loss in the range of 2 to 4 kg is associated with systolic blood pressure declines in the range of 3 to 8 mm Hg, a clinically significant impact

Know the causes of hypertension or high blood pressure…

High blood pressure is broadly classified as :

Primary (essential) Hypertension: In this type, no cause for hypertension can be identified,  usually genetic or/and environmental factors play a role. It is the most common form of hypertension and is prevalent in 95% cases. 

Secondary Hypertension: Approximately 5% of patients have an identifiable cause eg. Diabetes, Obesity, chronic kidney diseases, sleep apnea, drug induced, thyroid diseases, associated with pregnancy, renal vascular problem.

An insight into the risk factors for developing Hypertension…

A number of conditions elevate blood pressure, especially in predisposed individuals.

• Obesity: This is because obesity is associated with an increase in intravascular volume, elevated cardiac output, activation of the renin angiotensin system and
  increased sympathetic outflow.
• Unhealthy Diet and excessive salt consumption
• Low potassium intake
• Metabolic syndrome
• Physical inactivity
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Tobacco use
• Stress
• Genetics and family history
• Characteristics that cannot be controlled – Age, race and ethnicity

Awareness about the symptoms of hypertension…..

Hypertension is called a "silent killer" because for years blood pressure can be asymptomatic (i.e. no symptoms) till it suddenly causes target organ damage. Target organ damage can lead to visual disturbances, palpitations, angina, headaches, transient weakness in various body parts, breathlessness, swelling in face and/or feet or general fatigue.

 

Importance of getting blood pressure tested….

High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms. Therefore, everyone should have regular blood pressure checks at least every 3-5 years. The check should be more often (at least twice a year) in older people, people who have had a previous high reading and people with diabetes.

Alert 1 : If you have a family history of Hypertension, keep an eye on your Blood Pressure

Alert 2 : If you have had a history of Gestational Diabetes, keep regular Check up on your Blood Pressure

If you are diagnosed as having high blood pressure then you are likely to be examined by your doctor and have some routine tests which include:

• A urine test to check if you have protein or blood in your urine

• A blood test to check that your kidneys are working fine and to check your cholesterol and sugar level
• A heart tracing (an electrocardiogram, also called ECG) 
• Eye check & fundus examination
• Echocardiogram

 

Know the complications of high blood pressure…..

Over time high blood pressure can cause problems in other parts of the body because of the damage to the blood vessels.

• Stroke
• Coronary heart disease (angina, myocardial infarction)
• Cardiac arrythmias (missed or extra beats)
• Heart failure
• Carotid artery blockage
• Aneurysms (weakening of an artery wall that creates a bulge, or distention, of the artery )
• Peripheral artery blockage (lower limbs)
• Visual impairment
• Renal impairment

 

Let VLCC Luxe experts help you manage Hypertension

Research studies suggest that the treatment of hypertension requires an integrated

approach which includes weight reduction, nutritional intervention, activity pattern

and stress management besides the pharmacological therapy.

This laid the foundation for "REACH", a program outlined specially for hypertensives

and includes guidance on the following:

R - Relaxation techniques

E - Eating plan

A - Activity pattern

C - Control of weight

H - Hypertension management

VLCC Luxe REACH: a unique perspective - helping hypertensive restore health

Stress management for control of hypertension is advised through relaxation techniques, breathing exercises and development of time management skills.

Nutritional intervention is one of the key components of our approach in prevention & management of hypertension. Experts at VLCC Luxe educate & provide dietary modifications to clients based on recent advances in nutrient research in control of hypertension. 

Eating plan for hypertensives take into consideration a balanced diet approach focusing on increased consumption of fruits & vegetables, non-fat dairy products and low in saturated & total fat. Diet counselor acts as transient support system to prepare & motivate clients to incorporate gradual changes. Nutritional counseling emphasizes on role of important nutrients as sodium and potassium in management of hypertension and practical ways of incorporating therapeutic modifications in the daily eating plan. Clients are advised to limit the consumption of salt by reducing salt in cooking, using herbs and spices to flavor food, refraining from adding salt at the table and avoiding highly salted, processed foods.

The physiotherapist plans a customized physical activity pattern based on individuals' fitness level and health condition.

VLCC Luxe counselor advises behaviour and lifestyle modification to reduce both weight as well as waist circumference.

The blood pressure is regularly monitored during the program and interaction with the family physician helps in regulating the medication dosage.

All clients who join VLCC Luxe go through an intensive program. Here the clients' detailed medical history, lifestyle, past medical & family history are noted. A detailed medical examination is then performed. Following this a Body Composition Analysis (BCA) is conducted by the latest technology analyzer. Detailed analysis of the body composition assists in customizing the Wellness programme as per individualized requirements.

Medical counseling and aligned line of treatment is implemented and closely supervised by the Medical Doctor.

An individually tailored dietary prescription based upon metabolic, nutritional & lifestyle requirement is made for every client by our expert Dieticians. 

An exercise programme as per individual's lifestyle is charted out by our specialized physiotherapists. It is important to expend energy besides controlling the caloric intake. This is achieved by both passive & active exercise. The right kind of exercise further helps in bringing down the blood pressure. 

Studies have shown that general and central obesity are predisposing factors for Hypertension. Overall weight loss and reduction in Waist circumference, Visceral Fat Area and Waist–Height ratio, are important indices to measure central obesity, helps in the management of Hypertension. VLCC Luxe’s localized fat reduction programme, executed by trained physiotherapists and therapists, is focused on plummeting that disproportionate band of excess fat on your waist besides improving skin laxity and toning the muscles. 

So don’t hesitate , take a step forward, discuss your Medical and blood pressure issues with our Counselor and Medical Doctor, join the “Wellness Programme” curated just for you and feel a healthy transformation in your life.

A large study has proven that a decrease in Body Weight by 1 kg resulted in a reduction of Systolic and Diastolic Pressure by 1.2 mmHg and 1.0 mmHg respectively.

Go ahead, aim for a normal blood pressure, work towards it and reap the health benefits…