Manage lifestyle to beat hypertension, urge doctors

Learn how to manage hypertension and prevent cardiovascular diseases through expert advice at The Hindu's webinar on blood pressure.

Hypertension is among the top five risk factors for cardiovascular diseases but it can be managed, V. Jacob Jose, consultant cardiologist with Naruvi Hospital, Vellore, said on Friday (February 28, 2025).

Citing a study by the Indian Hypertension Control Initiative, launched by the Indian Council of Medical Research, Dr. Jose said that one in every four Indian adults has high blood pressure and over half of those affected were unaware of their condition. He added that only 10% of those with hypertension have managed to keep it under control.

At The Hindu’s webinar on “Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know”, presented in collaboration with Naruvi Hospitals, Vellore, Dr. Jose said that regular monitoring for hypertension was important as it was a silent killer. The webinar was the fifth episode in a series of 15 under the ‘Healthy India, Happy India’ initiative aimed at promoting well-being.

Fluctuation in blood pressure laid stress on organs, Dr. Jose explained. About 20% of those affected are able to lower the BP levels through diet and regular exercise.

V. Chockalingam, Professor Emeritus of Cardiology at Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai, recommended working on a positive frame of mind. Positive thinking, healthy eating and exercise could stave off hypertension, he said. “Live in the now, live life better and in balance. When your heart beats fast, life ends faster,” he said.

The definition of hypertension has been evolving over the decades due to learning from various trials, said T. R. Muralidharan, Director of Cardiac Sciences at SRM Global Hospital, SRM University, Chennai. Earlier, a reading of 140/90 was considered normal but now there are several classifications under day and night readings of non-elevated, intermediary and elevated BP readings, he said.

Dr. Muralidharan recommended BP, cholesterol and diabetes check-up every five years from the age of 20. “After 40, people should go for annual check-up,” he stressed and advised a healthy diet, daily salt intake within five grams, seven hours of sleep every day, and controlling weight and waist circumference.