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What is Hypertension : Risk Reduction and Complication Prevention Tips

By Dr. Vaibhav Mishra in Cardiac Sciences , Cardiac Surgery (CTVS)

Jun 17 , 2024 | 2 min read

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently high. Dr Vaibhav Mishra, Director and Head of CTVS (Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery) at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, says, "It might not sound like a big deal, but it can actually be really serious. Over time, it may damage the walls of your arteries, making them thicker and less flexible."

Your heart is a pump that pushes blood through your arteries. When your arteries are damaged from high blood pressure, it has to work harder to pump blood through them. This extra strain may lead to problems like heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.

High blood pressure also damages other vital organs in your body. For example, it can harm your kidneys, which helps filter waste and excess fluid from your blood. If your kidneys aren't working properly, it could lead to kidney disease and even kidney failure.

The thing about high blood pressure is that it often doesn't cause any symptoms, which is why it's sometimes called the "silent killer". You could have high blood pressure for years and not even know it. That's why it's important to have your blood pressure checked regularly by a doctor. It is not hypertension, but its complications that present as symptoms.

You may be wondering, what causes high blood pressure? Well, there are a few factors that can contribute to it. Genetics play a role, so if high blood pressure runs in your family, you may be more likely to develop it. Lifestyle factors are also important. Eating too much salt, not getting enough exercise, smoking, and consuming excessive alcohol can all raise your blood pressure.

The good news is there are things you can do to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of complications:

Eating a healthy diet low in salt, regularly exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can help lower your blood pressure.

Sometimes, your doctor might also prescribe medication to help keep your blood pressure under control. You shouldn't skip hypertension medication as it can have detrimental effects on your health.

Consistent intake of prescribed medication is crucial to regulate blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of complications like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage.

It's also important to monitor your blood pressure regularly, either at home or with a doctor. This can help you and your doctor keep track of how well your treatment is working and make any necessary adjustments.

Dr. Mishra says, "As we know, prevention is better than cure, and leading a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise can prevent or delay its development. Regular health check-ups after 35 are the only way to diagnose it early, and if your doctors recommend a medication, please ensure compliance. Otherwise, you will need higher doses and multiple medications".

Dr. Vaibhav Mishra has expertise of almost a decade in treating heart-related diseases. From innovative surgical interventions to comprehensive management strategies, Dr. Mishra and his team at Max Hospital, Patparganj, manage various cardiac diseases.