Most of the Diabetics die of Heart Attacks or Stroke- not due to Diabetes , a major reason for this is the prevalence of High Blood pressure or Hypertension. Experience of Diabetologists in Delhi and our country says that approx 30% of the Diabetics suffer from High Blood pressurre and similary approx 30% of persons sufering from High Blood Pressure have Diabetes as well. High Blood pressure is a greater risk factor for premature death than even somikng- it is responsible for more than 10 million deaths worldwide.

What is High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure is caused when the Blood ( which is 95% Water) exerts abnormally high pressure on the walls of arteries ( Vessels carrying Blood), it may be due to different and multiple reasons. Majority of the population suffers from Essential Hypertension a terminology given to the chronic condition of raised Blood Pressures without a specific cause, If the Blood Pressure is raised due to diseases affecting some other organs like Kidneys, Endocrine organs etc it is termed as Secondary Hypertension.

Reasons behind rise in Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure is caused due to many reasons as explained by Diabetes specialist Dr Rajesh Kesari - but some of the most iportant are:

• High Salt intake which leads to water retention and expansion of volume of Blood
• Obesity and Overweight individuals sufffer more for hypertension
• Sedentary lifestyle -Low levels of physical activity
• Smoking and excessive alcohol intake
• Increased Stress
• Genetic predisposition

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

At initial stages High Blood pressure does not cause any discomfort and give any symptoms- but causes continous damage to vital organs like Heart, Blood Vessels, Kidneys, Brain, Eyes- Retina - this is called end organ damage which results in various complications likeHeat Attack, Heart failure, Stroke, Peripheral Artery Disease(Foot Amputation), Nephropathy (Kidney failure), Retinopathy(Blindness).

But High levels of Blood Pressure may cause some symptoms like

• Giddiness
• Heaviness in Head or Headache
• Weakness
• Excessive Urination
• Palpitations
• Heaviness in Chest

If you have any such symptoms must seek medical attention

Tips

Some Tips by Diabetes Specialist in Delhi Dr Rajesh Kesari to Control High Blood Pressure:

• Decrease daily Salt intake ( should be less than 5gms per day)
• Eat foods rich in Potassium ( Green Vegetable, Leafy vegetables, Raisins )
• Do daily Exercise
• Do Relaxation exercises like Pranayam, Meditation
• Monitor your Blood Pressure at regular intervals- remeber one never feels whens its gone high
• Take your Blood Pressure and Diabetes medicatios regularly
• Consult your doctor frequently - you may require a change in medcation if BP levels are not controlled.

On this World Hypertension Day- 17th May 2019 lets ledge to create awareness about this Chronic DIsease which takes millions of lives every year.