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Regular Blood Pressure Checks Essential for Young Adults, Say Doctors
Doctors are emphasizing the importance of regular blood pressure checks for adults aged between 18 and 40, recommending screenings every three years to detect underlying diseases early and facilitate prompt treatment.
A recent study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (ICMR-NCDIR) in Bengaluru revealed that approximately 30 percent of Indians have never undergone blood pressure testing.
Dr. Tushar Tayal, Lead Consultant at the Department of Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, emphasized the significance of blood pressure monitoring, particularly for individuals over 40, who should undergo annual checks. For those aged between 18 and 40, screenings every three to five years are recommended unless they fall into the high-risk category.
Dr. Ajay Agarwal, Director of Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital in Noida, advised hypertensive patients to monitor their blood pressure at least once a month using a digital BP monitor. He stressed the importance of maintaining blood pressure levels below 140/90 mm Hg for individuals without risk factors. For those with risk factors such as diabetes or kidney disease, maintaining levels below 130/80 mm Hg is crucial to reduce the risk of target organ damage.
The study also revealed that approximately 34 percent of Indians are in the prehypertensive stage, which poses a significant risk for cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Tushar emphasized the need for blood pressure control, highlighting that undiagnosed hypertension is a risk factor for various health complications, including stroke, heart attack, kidney damage, and eye damage.
Regular blood pressure monitoring, coupled with lifestyle modifications and appropriate medical interventions, plays a vital role in preventing and managing hypertension and its associated complications. As awareness about the importance of blood pressure checks grows, doctors hope to see a reduction in the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and its adverse health outcomes.
