According to a recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Center for Disease Informatics and Research (ICMR-NCDIR), Bengaluru, about 3 per cent of Indians have never got their blood pressure tested.
“People above 40 years of age should check their blood pressure once a year. Dr Tushar Tayal, chief consultant, department of internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS that people aged 18 to 40 should get their blood pressure checked every three to five years, unless they are at high risk. Don't fall into the category.
Dr Ajay Agarwal, Director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital Noida, said, “All hypertensive patients should monitor blood pressure with a digital BP monitor at least once a month, ideally after 15 minutes of rest. And the cuff should be tied in the middle of the arm."
He explained that in patients without risk factors, blood pressure should be below 140/90 mm Hg. And it should be less than 130/80 to reduce the risk of target organ damage (kidneys, heart or eyes) in people with risk factors like diabetes or kidney disease, Dr Ajay told IANS.
The study also revealed that about 34 percent of Indians are in prehypertensive stage
, Research shows that this is equally worrying, as it contributes significantly to heart disease.
“Checking BP and keeping it under control (with or without medication) is important because uncontrolled hypertension is a risk factor for stroke, hearing loss, kidney damage and eye damage,” said Dr Tushar.
“People above 40 years of age should check their blood pressure once a year. Dr Tushar Tayal, chief consultant, department of internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS that people aged 18 to 40 should get their blood pressure checked every three to five years, unless they are at high risk. Don't fall into the category.
Dr Ajay Agarwal, Director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital Noida, said, “All hypertensive patients should monitor blood pressure with a digital BP monitor at least once a month, ideally after 15 minutes of rest. And the cuff should be tied in the middle of the arm."
He explained that in patients without risk factors, blood pressure should be below 140/90 mm Hg. And it should be less than 130/80 to reduce the risk of target organ damage (kidneys, heart or eyes) in people with risk factors like diabetes or kidney disease, Dr Ajay told IANS.
The study also revealed that about 34 percent of Indians are in prehypertensive stage
, Research shows that this is equally worrying, as it contributes significantly to heart disease.
“Checking BP and keeping it under control (with or without medication) is important because uncontrolled hypertension is a risk factor for stroke, hearing loss, kidney damage and eye damage,” said Dr Tushar.