What is high blood pressure, how can it be avoided? A conversation with cardiologist Dr. Rajeev Shrestha

In recent years, hospitals and doctors have been receiving an increase in the number of patients suffering from chronic conditions such as hypertension, heart attack, and heart disease. Every year, a large number of people die prematurely as a result of excessive blood pressure. The topic of how to avoid numerous severe chronic diseases by addressing the problem of high blood pressure has now emerged as the most pressing concern for the health industry.

In this context, Suman Suskera, coordinator of Makalu Khabar Koshi State, talked to Dr. Rajeev Shrestha, cardiologist of Birat Medical College and Birat Nursing Home about the effects of high blood pressure on people’s health and ways to prevent it. Here is a brief conversation with Dr. Shrestha about high blood pressure and heart disease caused by it:

What is the understanding of common citizens about high blood pressure?

The number of people suffering from high blood pressure is increasing. People with high blood pressure, on the other hand, are not immediately transported to the hospital for treatment. We only find out we have high blood pressure when we go for other treatment. When the blood pressure is detected in the test, we just advise you that it has risen.

Even when we provide facts about high blood pressure, some patients are skeptical. I have seen that people saying that nothing bad has happened to me. There are no such symptoms as seen in high blood pressure. Patients come to the hospital with high blood pressure and ruptured blood vessels, but in general, we have very few people who come to get information about blood pressure. Especially when we test other things we find blood pressure. Information about it cannot be kept until it reaches a high point.

What is high blood pressure? How to know?

Citizens should be aware of this in general. The blood that flows through the human body is cleansed before it reaches the heart. The delivery of blood from the heart to various regions of the body is deemed normal. Normal pressure refers to normal blood circulation through the heart. That pressure is increasing for a variety of reasons. Blood pressure rises when the heart has to work hard. Its outcome sometimes causes accidents, and it sometimes has an impact on people’s lives in some way.

The essential thing is that the pressure is unknown, in which case we are unconcerned. They become interested only when there is a sudden problem. As a result, the patient sometimes arrives at the hospital with paralysis, sometimes with heart failure, and occasionally with kidney damage.

In general, how can citizens know high blood pressure?

There are no such symptoms. It is not the type that exhibits symptoms and visits and tests on occasion. You will know your blood pressure if you check it on a regular basis, but most folks do not do so. Various sorts of home testing instruments are now available. The situation is no longer what it was, but many individuals are dismissive of the matter.

Is high pressure the only problem, or does low pressure also cause harm?

Ordinary folks must understand that low blood pressure is not a sickness. High blood pressure is an illness and an issue. What we can observe now is that my low pressure has been wasted. That is a misinterpretation. It should be noted that low blood pressure is not an illness.

The primary issue right now is excessive blood pressure. There are no apparent symptoms, as you requested. There are no apparent signs, which is why it should be evaluated on a regular basis. It can be avoided if it is identified early on. People should have their blood pressure checked every 3 to 6 months.

How is high blood pressure?

Nobody knows how this occurs. Some reasons are extremely rare, accounting for only approximately 5% of the total. We don’t look for many reasons either. As the cause is unknown in 95% of instances, medicine is used for a long time and frequent medication should be taken.

People should first undergo a routine blood pressure test to determine the state of their blood pressure. There are now instruments that can be measured at home. There is no need to go to the hospital for the test as everyone can be measured rather than just one individual.

How much does diet help prevent high blood pressure?

Of fact, nutrition can influence whether your blood pressure rises or falls. Our lifestyle influences how our bodies develop. Cigarettes, alcohol, fatty and salty foods all raise blood pressure. If you pay attention to these foods, you can lower your blood pressure.

Is it possible that there is no such symptom?

Of reality, as previously said, many symptoms are unknown. Some people may experience neck pain and headaches. It is encountered in extremely small quantities and is uncommon. High blood pressure is sometimes detected only after the blood pressure rises and consequences emerge.

Are there any home remedies for high blood pressure?

Naturally, it is. That means we must alter our way of life. At the moment, the simplest home cure is lifestyle adjustment. Regular physical exercise helps to reduce obesity, as obesity causes our stomach to get larger. It should be lowered.

People should exercise on a regular basis, either in the morning or in the evening, depending on their schedule. People should also pay attention to their diet. People can keep their blood pressure in a normal range by consuming less salt, losing weight, quitting smoking if they smoke, and controlling thjeir diet.

What kind of medicines can high blood pressure patients take?

The point at which the excessive blood pressure has reached must be examined. When a certain level is reached, it is determined whether or not to begin the medication. After taking blood pressure medication, the patient gains the understanding that they must continue to take the drug for the remainder of their lives. It depends on whether or not someone has to consume this for the rest of their life.

Not every patient is willing to take blood pressure medicine. The choice of medicine is determined by the patient’s condition. Because many people do not use medicine at all, they should start modifying their lifestyle, with regular exercise being the most important thing.

Is high blood pressure a fatal disease?

The first cause of unexpected death is a heart attack. It is caused by excessive blood pressure. We talk about paralysis and brain bleeding, but it can also lead to death. It also harms the eyes and the kidneys. Why should we keep our blood pressure normal? The first reason is to keep our brains healthy. Blindness, heart failure, heart attack, and kidney failure are all considered issues. It is not a big deal to take medicine. But the only thing I can advise is that you must keep your blood pressure under control, which requires medication.

Saving around 50 out of 100 patients who suffer from brain haemorrhage, loss of vision, kidney failure, and heart attack as a result of high blood pressure is also significant. So the only thing I would recommend is that you have frequent checks and take care of your body’s health.

Although there is no communicable disease, why is its number increasing?

It is not a contagious disease, although it appears to be one now. It has a very high infection rate. Biratnagar alone has a large proportion of hypertension individuals. In my experience, folks between the ages of 25 and 30 come in with heart enlargement caused by high blood pressure. Even if the pressure is assessed to be 220/120, they claim that nothing has occurred to me.

When we read, it was said that heart disease occurs only in 45-50 years. Since the past 25-30 years, the number of persons seeking treatment for high blood pressure has increased. This is due to the lack of physical labor. Travel to work and school via car, bike, or bus. We are not in the habit of walking. As a result, the number of people suffering from high blood pressure has skyrocketed; this is a serious and life-threatening disease.

To save our brain, eyes, heart, and kidneys, we must keep our blood pressure under control. Taking medication is required for this. Regardless, the patient does not appear to take it seriously. We still have a problem comprehending and communicating high blood pressure to patients. It is still impossible to explain why individuals with high blood pressure should take medication and be nourished. It has also been discovered that some patients visit the pharmacy and then depart without taking the medication, even after the medication has been prescribed.

Ordinary people must understand that blood pressure is not a common condition in the same way that other diseases are. It is not a disease to know there is no disease. You can avoid high blood pressure by taking frequent testing, eating well, and exercising.

-Suman Suskera/MK