World Hypertension Day was observed across the globe on May 17. This year, the theme was `Controlling Hypertension Together: check your blood pressure regularly, defeat the silent killer’. Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the most common lifestyle-related medical conditions today. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.4 billion people live with hypertension globally. Despite the availability of effective and affordable treatments, many people are unaware of their condition. Hypertension is often asymptomatic in its early stages, which is why it’s called the ‘silent killer’. Many people discover it only after a routine check-up or a serious event like a stroke. There are three different types of hypertension: Essential, secondary, and gestational. Each requires a different line of treatment. While essential hypertension requires monitoring and treatment, secondary hypertension requires evaluation for the cause, which could range from renal to hormonal problems. Gestational hypertension occurs during pregnancy. Like other parts of the country, Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a surge in hypertension cases. According to the National Family Health Survey-5, around 11 per cent of women and 10 per cent of men aged between 15 and 49 years are living with hypertension in Jammu and Kashmir. Three percent of youth between 15 and 19 years are hypertensive. Four per cent of people aged 20–24 years, seven per cent in the 25–29 age group, 8.5 per cent among those aged 30–34 years, 14 per cent in the 35–39 age bracket, and nearly 20 per cent among people aged 40–45 years are hypertensive. Nearly 24 per cent of people in the age group 45–49 years are hypertensive in Jammu and Kashmir. Around 57 per cent of the population falls in the pre-hypertensive category. Uncontrolled hypertension is the leading cause of stroke in Jammu and Kashmir. More than half of all stroke-related cases are caused by high blood pressure. Early diagnosis, regular monitoring, a healthy diet, physical activity, and treatment adherence are key to controlling blood pressure. We need to cut our salt intake by half. People in Kashmir are addicted to noon chai and spicy food. Salt is the primary cause of high blood pressure. People in Kashmir are still living in the past. Taking paracetamol for every headache is a dangerous precedent. Most of the strokes occur when we avoid small bouts of headaches. Having a headache is a signal for something serious. Our people need to rely on science, not self-medication. Consulting a doctor is necessary in case of headaches. Ignoring small hints can be dangerous. Regular walks, modifying lifestyle, and eating healthy foods can help in controlling blood pressure. Let us all work for a healthy Jammu and Kashmir!
A silent killer
