0
0
Chandigarh is facing a growing health crisis as hypertension, or high blood pressure, emerges as a major concern alongside diabetes. Recent data indicates that a staggering 50% of residents over the age of 45 are suffering from high blood pressure, significantly exceeding the national average.
According to Chandigarh Health Secretary Ajay Chagti, speaking at the World NCD Federation foundation day celebrations at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI), 35.5% of adults in the Union Territory have hypertension. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for intervention and preventive measures.
PGI’s School of Public Health, which has been actively involved in non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention, has compiled data revealing the severity of the situation. Experts warn that hypertension is often a “silent killer,” as many individuals are unaware of their condition and tend to overlook subtle symptoms.
Dr. Ashok Yadav, Associate Professor of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology at PGI, highlighted excessive salt intake as a significant contributing factor. World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommend a daily sodium intake equivalent to 5 grams of salt, but studies show that 65% of people consume an average of 8 grams daily. This excess sodium leads to increased blood volume, placing strain on the heart and elevating blood pressure.
“Blood pressure must be maintained under 140/90 mmHg,” stated Professor Dr. Rajesh Vijayvergiya, Department of Cardiology, PGI. “Low salt intake, appropriate body weight maintenance, and medications control high blood pressure.”
To address this growing concern, the Department of Dietetics at PGI is conducting specialized diet clinics to educate residents about hypertension and its impact on kidney health. Chief Dietician Dr. Nancy Sahni emphasized the importance of proper hydration, balanced diets rich in fruits and vegetables, and controlled salt intake.
A recent survey conducted by the clinic revealed that many individuals are not adhering to their prescribed medications, with reasons ranging from skepticism about the necessity of medication to forgetfulness. Worryingly, a significant portion of respondents discontinued medication when they felt their blood pressure had returned to normal.
Doctors are urging residents to adopt healthier lifestyles, including reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and regularly monitoring their blood pressure. They advise avoiding salt-rich foods, pickles, sauces, canned soups, processed cheese, frozen meals, and excessive table salt.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on the information provided and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. The statistics provided reflect the information released from official sources at the time of publication and may be subject to change.(https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/rising-cases-of-hypertension-reported-in-chandigarh-9894505/)
