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1. Dr. Pavankumar p rasalkar

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/bangalore/doctor/dr-pavan-rasalkar-cardiologist ;

Dm - cardiology, md - medicine, mbbs

13 years experience 600 at clinic



Dr. Pavankumar has extensive experience treating hypertension and cardiovascular conditions. He has also written numerous papers on these topics. He formerly served as a senior resident at pgimer in chandigarh. ;



One of the most common diseases Dr. Rasalkar treats is hypertension. It is a condition characterised by elevated arterial blood pressure. This can result in a variety of health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. ;

2. Dr. Jai babu

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/bangalore/doctor/dr-jai-babu-cardiologist

Mbbs, md - general medicine, dm - cardiology

18 years experience 600 - 900 at clinic

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Hypertension is the area of expertise of cardiologist Dr. Jai babu, who specialises in treating patients with this condition. In addition to this, he is capable of performing heart transplants and managing patients who have already had transplants. He has worked in the field of cardiology for over 18 years and has extensive experience treating hypertension and other heart diseases.

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Dr. Babu possesses a high level of expertise in the performance of surgical and non-surgical procedures designed to repair heart defects and enhance cardiac function. He is dedicated to his work and takes immense pride in the fact that he is able to assist his patients in leading long and healthy lives.

3. Dr. Bijay kumar mahala

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/bangalore/doctor/dr-bijay-kumar-mahala-cardiologist

Mbbs, md - cardiology

35 years experience 900 at clinic 750 online

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A 35-year veteran in the field of cardiology, Dr. Bijay kumar mahala is a highly experienced and skilled cardiologist based in bangalore, india. Dr. Mahala has a great deal of experience treating hypertension and related conditions, such as headaches. He has a deep understanding of how to effectively manage these conditions and help his patients feel better.

Dr. Mahala is a kind physician who genuinely cares about his patients' health. In order to give them the best care possible, he takes the time to get to know them and their specific needs. His clients have complete faith in him and know that he will always act in their best interests.

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4. Dr. T. Kirankumar

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/bangalore/doctor/dr-t-kirankumar-homeopath

Bhms

26 years experience 300 - 400 at clinic 300 online

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T. Kirankumar is a devoted practitioner of homoeopathy. After completing his education at gulbarga university in 1996, he began treating patients suffering from hypertension and other heart diseases.

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For the benefit of his patients, he employs his extensive background and training in homoeopathy. He listens carefully to each patient's story in order to tailor a treatment strategy to their specific needs. Kind and considerate, Dr. T. Kirankumar always puts his patients' needs first.

5. Dr. Ramesh babu

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/bangalore/doctor/dr-ramesh-babu-general-physician-1

Md, mbbs

33 years experience 200 at clinic 200 online

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Dr. Ramesh babu is an internal medicine expert with many years of practise under his belt. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of chest pain and hypertension. He treats his patients with the utmost respect and takes great pride in the fact that he can consistently deliver high-level medical care to them.

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He takes the time to carefully listen to the concerns of his patients and thoroughly explains all of the available treatment options. Dr. Babu is a remarkable medical professional who offers his patients unequalled levels of care. Dr. Ramesh babu comes highly recommended if you are looking for a skilled and experienced medical professional who can provide you with high-caliber medical care.

6. Dr. Niveditha s murthy

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/bangalore/doctor/dr-niveditha-srinivasamurthy-ayurveda

Bachelor of ayurveda, medicine and surgery (bams), mscp

13 years experience 200 at clinic 300 online

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Ayurveda is a form of holistic medicine that treats the whole person by taking into account the mind, the body, and the spirit. Dr. Niveditha is an ayurvedic physician who puts an emphasis on the treatment of hypertension and the diseases that are associated with it.

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She earned a bachelor of ayurveda, medicine, and surgery degree from the government ayurveda medical college in bangalore. A great number of patients have seen improvements in both their health and their quality of life as a result of Dr. Murthy's care.

7. Dr. Sunil kumar s

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/bangalore/doctor/dr-sunil-kumar-srinivas-cardiologist-1 ;

Mbbs bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery, md - internal medicine, dm - cardiology

18 years experience 500 at clinic 500 online



Dr. Sunil kumar is a capable cardiac surgeon. From the sri jayadeva institute in bangalore, he completed a dm in cardiology in 2013. In addition to general cardiology, he also received training in cardiac electrophysiology, and interventional cardiology. He has years of experience treating people with heart and blood pressure issues. ;



Dr. Sunil has treated numerous patients with hypertension and heart problems. He is able to effectively treat his patients because he has a thorough understanding of the human heart and how it functions.

8. Dr. Vk srinivas

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/bangalore/doctor/dr-vk-srinivas-cardiologist ;

350 at clinic 300 online



Dr. Vk srinivas is a cardiologist who focuses on hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Dr. Srinivas has devoted his career to assisting persons with hypertension in managing their condition and lowering their chance of developing these major health issues. ;



He has created novel therapy regimens that have assisted numerous individuals in achieving better health. Dr. Srinivas can assist you in managing your disease and overall health. He is a professional in this subject and can provide you with the appropriate treatment.

9. Dr. Kumar b

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/bangalore/doctor/dr-kumar-b-cardiologist-2 ;

Dm - cardiology, md - general medicine, mbbs

52 years experience 500 at clinic 300 online



Bangalore-based cardiologist Dr. Kumar b has been practising medicine for over 52 years. He earned his mbbs from govt medical college mysore and his md - general medicine from the same institution. He has assisted numerous individuals in regaining health and resuming normal life. ;



Patients with hypertension may have chest pain and a throbbing heart, as well as other symptoms. Dr. Kumar has been successful in treating and alleviating the suffering of such people. He is a well-known physician in the city, and his peers hold him in the highest regard for his knowledge and competence in cardiology.

1. Dr. Vinay sanghi

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/delhi/doctor/dr-vinay-sanghi-cardiologist

Fscai (int card), facc (card), facp (int medicine), mbbs

28 years experience 500 at clinic 500 online

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Dr. Vinay sanghi is a board-certified cardiologist who has been giving his patients excellent care for more than 25 years. He got his training in cardiovascular diseases and interventional cardiology at some of the best universities in the country. Dr. Sanghi is especially good at treating high blood pressure, and he has helped a lot of people limit their blood pressure and get healthier overall.

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He cares about each of his patients as people and works hard to give them the best care he can. He knows how important changes in lifestyle are for treating high blood pressure and works closely with his patients to help them make the changes they need. He is always there for his patients to talk to about any questions or worries they may have.

2. Dr. Rajiva gupta

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/delhi/doctor/dr-rajiva-gupta-general-physician ;

Mbbs, md - internal medicine, post graduate program in diabetology

42 years experience 1400 at clinic 1000 online



Dr. Rajiva gupta is an internal medicine physician and geriatrician who is also a prominent member of the american college of cardiology. Dr. Gupta has extensive expertise treating chest discomfort and hypertension, two conditions that afflict older persons often. ;



The chance of acquiring hypertension rises with age. The blood vessels change, becoming less elastic and more prone to injury, which is partly to blame for this. Moreover, a lot of elderly people use drugs that raise blood pressure. Dr. Gupta can help you address the risk factors and conditions of hypertension.

3. Dr. Anil mehta

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/delhi/doctor/dr-anil-mehta-general-physician ;

Mbbs, dnb (general medicine)

28 years experience 500 at clinic 500 online



Dr. Anil mehta is an outstanding choice if you need a family doctor or a general practitioner. The health of his patients is a top priority, and he does all in his power to ensure they receive the finest treatment possible. Hypertension, which can lead to headaches, is a common problem he treats. ;



He is a longtime member of the american heart association. Dr. Mehta loves his profession and takes extra precautions to give his patients the highest quality care. When it comes to making sure they are safe and happy, he is always prepared to go the additional mile. He clearly cares about his patients and it shows in all he does for them.

4. Dr. M wali

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/delhi/doctor/dr-m-wali-internal-medicine-specialist ;

Mbbs, md - medicine, facc, frcp

47 years experience 1000 - 2000 at clinic



Dr. Wali is an internal medicine specialist who has been practicing for 47 years. He has helped many patients with hypertension manage their condition and improve their quality of life. He is an expert in the treatment of hypertension and has a wealth of experience in managing this condition.

Hypertension can be caused by multiple disorders such as stress, obesity, smoking, and lack of exercise. Numerous health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure, can be brought on by hypertension. Dr. Wali is a trusted medical professional who can handle this condition.

5. Dr. Aman makhija

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/delhi/doctor/dr-aman-makhija-cardiologist ;

Dm - cardiology, mbbs, md - medicine, training in electrophysiology

23 years experience 1000 - 1500 at clinic 500 online



Dr. Makhija is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished cardiologists in the field. He is the recipient of the av gandhi award for outstanding achievement in cardiology. He has devoted his whole career to assisting individuals who are dealing with these problems in order to enhance their overall quality of life. ;



Dr. Makhija is honored for the work that he has done to assist individuals suffering from hypertension and abnormal heart rhythms in leading better lifestyles. He has assisted an uncountable number of individuals in better managing their disease and enhancing their overall quality of life. A wonderful illustration of a physician who is committed to the health of his patients, Dr. Makhija goes above and beyond for his patients. ;

6. Dr. Sanket gupta

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/delhi/doctor/dr-sanket-gupta-homeopath

Bhms, md-homeopathy, pgpc - preventive cardiology

13 years experience 500 at clinic 250 online

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Dr. Sanket gupta is a well-known cardiologist who also practises homoeopathy. Many people with hypertension who have headaches and visual problems have benefited greatly from his assistance.

He has a strong desire to assist others and thinks that using homoeopathy to treat a range of illnesses is a good idea. He constantly makes the additional effort to assist his patients. Patients who have had health issues have benefited greatly from Dr. Gupta's care. He really cares about his patients' health and is a committed physician.

7. Fortis healthcare

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/gurgaon/doctor/fortis-healthcare ;



Fortis healthcare is a multi-specialty clinic that offers services from a variety of experienced cardiologists and internal medicine specialists. The clinic provides a variety of therapies for hypertension and other related disorders such as headaches, fatigue, and so on. ;



Friendly and knowledgeable staff members work at the clinic. They ensure that all patients feel calm and comfortable throughout their stay at the clinic. The clinic is really clean and sanitary.

8. Dr. Ripen gupta

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/delhi/doctor/dr-ripen-gupta-cardiologist-1 ;

Mbbs, md - medicine, dm - cardiology, fellowship in interventional cardiology, cardiology & cardiac electrophysiology

30 years experience 1500 at clinic 500 online



Dr. Ripen gupta is a cardiologist who has been practicing for 30 years. He has a great deal of experience in the treatment of patients suffering from both high and low blood pressure, and he is an official participant of the cardiological society of india (csi).

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Dr. Gupta is very knowledgeable and passionate about his work, and he always puts the needs of his patients first. He is an excellent physician who never stops trying to improve the care he provides for his patients. He is highly recommend to anyone who is looking for a cardiologist in delhi.

9. Dr. K. K. Sethi

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/delhi/doctor/dr-k-k-sethi-cardiologist

Mbbs, md - medicine, dm - cardiology

51 years experience 1500 at clinic

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Dr. K. K. Sethi has been a cardiologist for the last 51 years and has assisted a great number of people in recovering from cardiac problems. He received his md - medicine and dm - cardiology from new delhi's moulana azad medical college.

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He is a specialist in hypertension, which may result in a variety of undesirable conditions, including fainting, dizziness, and headache. He is a highly skilled physician with an extensive understanding of the human heart. He is also a very affable physician who strives to make his patients feel at ease.

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Resistant hypertension refers to the condition where your blood pressure remains high despite taking at least 3-4 different types of medications and diuretics. Resistant hypertension may occur due to one or more underlying causes hormonal abnormalities, plaque build-up in the arteries, obstructive sleep apnoea, obesity, and others.

Ways to manage resistant hypertension

Since neither medications nor diuretics yield the desired results, the only way to combat resistant hypertension is to adopt lifestyle changes that might help keep high blood pressure under control.

Eat a low-salt well-balanced diet Eating a heart-healthy diet is important to control resistant hypertension. Get all the nutrition from healthy food sources. Focus on eating a DASH diet that is rich in fibre and low in sodium whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, fibre, low-fat dairy products, nuts and legumes. At the same time, reduce your intake of saturated fats, sweetened beverages, and red meat.

Limit intake of alcohol Drinking too much alcohol elevates your blood pressure. If you have resistant hypertension, you will need to limit your daily alcohol intake to 1-2 drinks.

Indulge in physical activities Staying physically active not only helps regulate your high blood pressure, but also helps strengthen the heart, manage weight, and reduce stress levels. A strong heart, healthy weight, and emotional well-being are good for hypertension. Make time for mild to moderate physical activities like brisk walking, cycling, running or jogging, and muscle training. Working out at least 30-45 minutes a day can make a huge difference in your overall health.

Keep your weight under check Being obese or overweight puts you at risk of high blood pressure and other related health issues. It is important that you lose excess weight and maintain a healthy body weight. Eat healthily and work out every day to manage resistant hypertension.

Lower stress levels In today s fast-paced life, stress can take a toll on your blood pressure, causing it to rise up sharply. Practicing various stress-management techniques meditation, yoga, relaxation therapy, and deep breathing exercises can help calm your mind and bring down your stress levels.

Apart from following these, resistant hypertension patients should continue taking the right dose of medications at the right time, as per their doctor s recommendation.

Resistant hypertension refers to the condition where your blood pressure remains high despite taking at least 3-4 different types of medications and diuretics. Resistant hypertension may occur due to one or more underlying causes hormonal abnormalities, plaque build-up in the arteries, obstructive sleep apnoea, ;obesity, and others.

Ways to manage resistant hypertension

Since neither medications nor diuretics yield the desired results, the only way to combat resistant hypertension is to adopt lifestyle changes that might help keep high blood pressure ;under control.



Eat a low-salt well-balanced diet ; eating a heart-healthy diet is important to control resistant hypertension. Get all the nutrition from healthy food sources. Focus on eating a dash diet that is rich in fibre and low in ;sodium  whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, fibre, low-fat dairy products, nuts and legumes. At the same time, reduce your intake of saturated fats, sweetened beverages, and red meat.


Limit intake of alcohol  drinking too much alcohol elevates your blood pressure. If you have resistant hypertension, you will need to limit your daily alcohol intake to 1-2 drinks.


Indulge in physical activities  staying physically active not only helps regulate your high blood pressure, but also helps strengthen the heart, manage weight, and reduce stress levels. A strong heart, healthy weight, and emotional well-being are good for hypertension. Make time for mild to moderate physical activities like brisk walking, cycling, running or jogging, and muscle training. Working out at least 30-45 minutes a day can make a huge difference in your overall health.


Keep your weight under check  being obese or overweight puts you at risk of high blood pressure and other related health issues. It is important that you lose excess weight and maintain healthy body weight. Eat healthily and work out every day to manage resistant hypertension.


Lower stress levels  in today s fast-paced life, stress can take a toll on your blood pressure, causing it to rise up sharply. Practicing various stress-management techniques  meditation, yoga, relaxation therapy, and deep breathing exercises can help calm your mind and bring down your stress levels.



Apart from following these, resistant hypertension patients should continue taking the right dose of medications at the right time, as per their doctor s recommendation.

If you have high blood pressure, you would have to depend a lot on medications, as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Medications can help keep your blood pressure within the normal range. However, in order to be able to maintain a normal blood pressure reading, you should focus on other remedies too.

Here are a few ways through which you can manage ;hypertension



Decrease your daily ;sodium intake  for most adults, a sodium intake of 1500mg or less per day is ideal. Therefore, aim to limit your daily sodium intake to the specified amount. Avoid sprinkling table salt on your food to enhance the taste and flavour. Also, pay attention to the labels on packaged and processed foods. Frozen food, cakes and pastries, bread and pizzas contain a high amount of salt, which spikes your blood pressure levels and harms your health in several other ways.


Follow a dash diet plan  a dash diet specifically focuses on lowering high blood pressure. The diet consists of whole grains, green vegetables, and fruits. It involves cutting back on saturated fats, full-fat dairy products, and processed foods, and including fish, lean meat, nuts and seeds, and low-fat or fat-free dairy items. Following a dash diet plan might bring down your systolic blood pressure by 11 mm/hg.


Maintain a healthy body weight  if you are obese or overweight, losing those extra kilos and maintaining a healthy weight can help you manage hypertension, and put you at a lesser risk of related health issues. Generally, with every kilo of weight you lose, you are likely to reduce your blood pressure by 1mm/hg.


Stay active  physical activities and regular exercise can keep your body weight in check and help reduce high blood pressure. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise or physical activity every day. Jogging, running, brisk walking, cycling, swimming, weight training are some of the exercises you could try.


Limit alcohol intake and quit smoking   excessive alcohol consumption causes your blood pressure to rise up significantly. Drink in moderation. Limit your drink to 1-2 glasses a day, that too 2-3 times a week. The tobacco found in cigarettes damages the blood vessels and quickly builds up plaque in the arteries, which makes it difficult to pump blood. Therefore, quit smoking right away.


Manage stress   stress often leads to elevated blood pressure levels. Practice meditation, deep breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to cope with stress.



While you practice these management tips, don't forget to follow up with your doctor and monitor your blood pressure regularly. Even if your readings come to normal, do not stop taking the prescribed medications.

High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, is a serious condition that may put you at risk of ;stroke and ;heart disease, if left untreated. Besides medications, there are other ways to control blood pressure levels. Most of these involve making changes in your habits and lifestyle.

Here is what you can do to get your blood pressure back to its normal range



Lose weight losing as little as 3-4 kg can make a big difference in your elevated blood pressure levels and overall health. According to studies, losing 5% of the bodyweight could reduce high blood pressure significantly. ;Weight loss helps your vessels contract and expand better, making it easier for the left ventricle to pump blood. The effect is greater when you exercise. Make sure you indulge in some sort of physical activity for half an hour at least, 3-4 days a week. It could be running, cycling, swimming, jogging, or even brisk walking.


Cut back on sodium intake  people often end up consuming more dietary sodium than the recommended levels. Individuals with high blood pressure should limit their sodium intake to 1500 gm/day. It is difficult to reduce dietary sodium without reading labels unless you prepare your own food. It does not take much sodium to reach the daily allowance only 3/4th of a teaspoon of salt is enough. Processed and packaged foods contain high levels of sodium. It is best to avoid such salty foods like bread rolls, pies, pastries, sausages, pizza, pasta, biscuits and cookies.


Limit alcohol consumption  drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis can cause your blood pressure to rise up significantly. 16% of all cases concerning high blood pressure have been linked to overindulgence in alcohol. Therefore, drink in moderation. Limit your number of drinks to one (for women) and two (for men) thrice a week.


Relieve stress   stress hormones can constrict your blood vessels temporarily. Over time, built-up stress can prompt certain unhealthy habits that put you at risk of cardiovascular problems. These may include poor sleep, overeating, and misusing alcohol and drugs. Therefore, relieving stress is imperative to reducing high blood pressure.



Hypertension affects the majority of the world s population. Ideally, your systolic blood pressure should be less than 120 mm/hg and diastolic pressure less than 80 mm/hg. The above guidelines will help you stabilize your high blood pressure and keep it within the desired range.

Hypertension affects many women during ;pregnancy. Blood pressure readings that are equal to or greater than 140/90 mm/hg indicate elevated blood pressure. If left untreated, the condition can lead to serious health complications for the infant, the mother, or both.

Types of hypertension associated with pregnancy

Three types of hypertension are common in women during pregnancy



Chronic hypertension a woman with chronic hypertension either had elevated blood pressure before pregnancy, or it developed within the initial 20 weeks of pregnancy. Women with this condition are likely to develop an abnormal amount of proteinuria high protein content in the urine. The presence of proteinuria may be an indication of kidney problems.


Gestational ;hypertension  gestational hypertension usually develops in the latter half of the pregnancy, after the first 20 weeks. This condition only occurs during pregnancy, without any changes in the functioning of the liver or the presence of protein in the urine. This form of hypertension is temporary and typically goes away after the birth of the child. However, it can increase your chances of developing high blood pressure in later life.


Preeclampsia  this type of hypertension usually occurs in the third trimester, and rarely develops after the child is born. The condition is diagnosed after measuring the blood pressure readings and testing urine samples and blood. Preeclampsia is often linked with severe consequences like kidney damage, liver damage, and seizures.



Risks associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension

The various risks associated with hypertension during pregnancy include



Placental abruption


Decreased flow of blood to the placenta


Intrauterine growth restriction


Premature delivery


Organ injuries


Cardiovascular disorders



In order to avoid these complications, you should focus on keeping your high blood pressure levels stable.

What about delivery and labour?

The doctor might suggest inducing labour before the delivery to avoid risks. The induction timing depends on whether you have end-stage organ damage or your baby has complications, and how well managed is your blood pressure. Normally, pregnant women with preeclampsia are given medications during labour to prevent seizures.

Is there any treatment for high blood pressure?

There is no particular treatment for high blood pressure. The key is to monitor your blood pressure and keep it under check using medications and following healthy lifestyle practices. Some medications are safe to use during pregnancy, while most others like ace inhibitors and renin inhibitors should be avoided. Talk to your doctor and take only the medications suggested by him/her.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if untreated, it increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes. Know more about it.

High Blood Pressure, also known as Hypertension, is not a disease but a condition in which the force and amount of blood are high against artery walls for a long-term. This can cause several health issues as serious as heart attack and damage of blood vessels. Almost every individual experiences High Blood Pressure once in a while but when Blood Pressure remains mostly high, it becomes problematic. There are no major symptoms that can detect if a person has the problem of High Blood Pressure. There are some symptoms of Hypertension such as dizziness, headache, nosebleed, and shortening of breath. However, many other health problems also share these symptoms and one cannot be sure of High Blood Pressure by reviewing only these symptoms. Hence, it is always advisable to consult the doctor for the diagnosis. Although we see people around us taking medicines for High Blood Pressure, this can be a life-threatening problem as a drastic increase in the blood pressure can lead to heart stroke or damage to any other organ.

Causes

There are no specific reasons for High Blood Pressure, however, there are some elements that become the reason for Hypertension.

Aging

Obesity

Medication

Consumption of drugs

An unhealthy and unbalanced diet

Sleep apnea

Family history

Lack of physical work

Thyroid problem

Consumption of tobacco

Consumption of alcohol

Diabetes

High cholesterol

Kidney problem

Mental stress

Pregnancy

Adrenal gland tumor

Management of High Blood Pressure

The condition of High Blood Pressure can be managed by bringing some changes in one s lifestyle and diet. Doctors advise a few simple changes to manage Hypertension that can be carried out by anyone, irrespective of their age and gender.

Exercise: One does not need to go for intense physical work but a half an hour walk or light exercises can help one manage his/her High Blood Pressure.

Diet: One can plan his/her diet by including and excluding certain food items. One should try to include food with low saturated fat, moderate calories, low sodium salt, and many more depending upon age and also if he/she has any other medical issue.

Regular check: To control one s Blood Pressure, an individual should check their Blood Pressure on a regular basis if they have the machine home. A regular check of Blood Pressure is important especially before taking the medication as having medicine in low or normal Blood Pressure can also lead to major health problems. Even if the person has the blood pressure monitor at home, he/she should visit a doctor once in a while for a proper, error-free checkup.

Take Away

Hypertension or High Blood Pressure is a medical condition where the amount and force of blood get higher than usual. This condition can be life-threatening as it can harm an individual s organs and blood vessels. There are no particular symptoms that specify the problem of High Blood Pressure. There are a few ways in which one can try to control their Blood Pressure. Checking Blood Pressure is not a difficult task and hence one can do it on his/her own at home but should definitely consult a doctor if he/she finds an increase in the Blood Pressure than normal.

Measurement of the blood pressure is considered to be an important step in the diagnostic protocol since the flow of blood in the body determines one s health. Higher the blood pressure, more the risk of health problems.

Now what exactly blood pressure is? It is the pressure exerted by blood on the walls of the blood vessels, specifically on the large arteries of the systemic circulation. The normal resting blood pressure of the human body is 120/80 mm Hg, where 120 is the systolic pressure and 80 is diastolic pressure, measured by the auscultatory method.

Usually, for measuring blood pressure, a physician is consulted. However, nowadays, blood pressure can be measured at home itself, thus removing the necessity of visiting a clinic for the same. There is a possibility of the patient is suffering from the White Coat hypertension, where the blood pressure of the patient shoots up in the presence of the physician at the clinic. In such patients, it s safer to suggest blood pressure measurement at home itself.

Certain factors like stress, smoking, heavy exercise, brisk walking, rapid movements, caffeine and certain medications can alter the pressure of blood. These factors should be avoided. There are two ways by which the blood pressure can be measured at home-

Manual method using a sphygmomanometer
Digital devices
A. Measurement of blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer

Steps:

1- Sit comfortably at one place and open the kit.

2- Raise your arm to the heart level.

3- Wrap the cuff around your upper arm, preferably the left arm.

4- The cuff should be adjusted to snugly fit. It shouldn t be too tight.

5- Place the diaphragm (head) of the stethoscope flat against the skin on the inside of your arm.

6- Tighten the valve of the rubber bulb and inflate the cuff.

7- Release the valve slowly and note down the first thumping sound. This is the systolic blood pressure.

8- After the thumping sounds subside, there is a small whooshing sound, following which no sound is audible. Note down this pressure on the gauge, it is termed as diastolic blood pressure.

B. Digital devices

Steps:

1- Sit comfortably and relaxed with your back supported.

2- Support your arm on a tabletop at an even level with your heart.

3- Place the cuff on the left arm and keep tubing at the centre of your arm facing the front. Place the sensor correctly.

4- Press the start button. When the measurement is complete, readings of your systolic and diastolic blood pressures and your pulse rate will be displayed on the digital panel.

5- Record the reading of the first measurement and obtain another reading of blood pressure after resting.

6- Take the average value of the two readings.

By using these two simple methods and following the above mentioned easy steps, blood pressure can be measured and monitored at home itself. If there is a huge difference between consecutive readings, then it is best to consult the physician for accurate results.