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As the world gears up to observe World Hypertension Day on May 17, medical experts are issuing a stern warning about the perils of uncontrolled high blood pressure (BP), emphasizing its potential to lead to severe health complications if left untreated.
This year’s theme, “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer,” underscores the critical importance of managing hypertension to safeguard long-term health.
According to experts, the longer blood pressure remains uncontrolled, the greater the damage it can inflict on the body. Conditions such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney problems are among the grave risks associated with untreated hypertension.
Dr. Devi Shetty, Founder and Chairman of Narayana Health, emphasized the alarming prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension, particularly in India. He highlighted that out of 188.3 million individuals affected by hypertension in the country, only 37 percent receive a formal diagnosis, indicating a significant gap in healthcare management.
Resistant hypertension, characterized by high BP that does not respond well to aggressive medical treatment, poses a formidable challenge. Approximately 20 percent of patients with high BP fall into this category, raising concerns among healthcare professionals.
“Diagnosis of uncontrolled hypertension involves careful evaluation of patients’ medication regimens, as well as identification and management of contributing factors such as obesity, sleep apnoea, and secondary causes of hypertension,” explained Dr. Mayur Jain, Consultant – Cardiothoracic Surgeon & Heart and Lung Transplant Surgeon at P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Mahim.
Dr. Refai Showkathali, Senior Interventional Cardiologist at Apollo Hospitals, stressed the silent threat posed by high BP, noting that it often presents no symptoms, leading to delayed or neglected treatment. He urged vigilance and emphasized the severe long-term repercussions of untreated and uncontrolled hypertension.
Various factors contribute to resistant high BP, including poor medication adherence, sedentary lifestyle choices, excessive salt intake, underlying medical conditions like kidney disease or obstructive sleep apnoea, hormonal imbalances, and genetic predispositions, explained Dr. Anand Pandey, Senior Director – Cardiology at Max Hospital, Vaishali.
Addressing these underlying causes through changes in medication, lifestyle modifications, and stress management practices is crucial for effectively managing resistant hypertension, emphasized Dr. Pandey.
As World Hypertension Day approaches, the message from experts is clear: prioritizing regular blood pressure checks, early diagnosis, and comprehensive management strategies are paramount in the fight against the silent but potentially devastating consequences of uncontrolled hypertension.
