Monitor your blood pressure

Hypertension remains a contributing risk factor for stroke, heart attacks and other cardiovascular complications leading to deaths across the globe.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure, putting them under increased stress. The higher the pressure, the harder the heart has to pump.

High blood pressure damages the heart and blood vessels in organs such as brain, kidney and is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Some of the symptoms include headaches, nosebleeds, irregular heartbeats, tiredness, dizziness, weakness, nausea, anxiety, chest pain and breathlessness.

Here are a few ways to prevent the incidence of hypertension:

• Learn to manage stress through regular exercise, yoga, meditation
• Limit the intake of salt and avoid foods with high saturated fats
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid tobacco use and reduce alcohol intake
• Monitor your blood pressure
• Stay calm under pressure and find ways to manage workplace stress by taking a walk, deep breathing or talking it out with a colleague.

(The author is director & head, Cardiology, Fortis Hospital)