World Hypertension Day was observed on May 17 in a bid to educate the masses about the ill-effects of hypertension or high blood pressure on the body. This year, the theme is ‘Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer’. It aims to reflect on combating the low awareness rate and create more and more awareness about the disease and its management.
According to a study published in the Lancet journal, India is ranked 156 and 164 globally in terms of hypertension prevalence among men and women respectively. In an article dietician Apeksha Ekbote described the condition in detail. She said, “Hypertension or high blood pressure causes damage to the tiny blood vessels that filter blood in the kidney, making removal of waste from the body difficult and thereby resulting in damaging kidney.”
She added, “When the function of kidneys begins to fail, they can cause a further increase in blood pressure by releasing certain hormones or by causing retention of salt and water in your body.”
She added, “One who is hypertensive may not know that they have kidney disease until their blood is tested for Blood Urea, Serum Creatinine and GFR. It is an extremely important parameter that every hypertensive individual should be tested at least once in six months irrespective of their age to check for their renal function. For patients who have high blood pressure and kidney disease, it is extremely important to keep a control check on their blood pressure through their lifestyle changes. It is very imperative to adhere to a strict diet.”
Apeksha said the most common advice is to restrict salt/sodium which is not the only thing to do but it is important to understand to follow a DASH diet - a Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension. She said, “Inclusion of DASH, staying well hydrated and indulging in physical activity of 45 minutes per day not only controls blood pressure and prevents kidney diseases but also keeps a check on your weight and overall well-being.”
According to Apeksha, the diet approach includes, “Salt-controlled diet, less intake of sodium-rich foods, consume fresh fruits and vegetables, add whole grains to the meal, avoid refined cereals and grains, avoid saturated food items and organ meat and avoid packaged and canned food items.”
