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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : September 12, 2015 11:47 AM IST
Hypertension: According to a paper presented at the American Heart Association’s 2015 High Blood Pressure Conference in Washington, people suffering from hypertension have damaged nerve tracts connecting different parts of the brain and are prone to diseases like dementia.
Lifestyle diseases like hypertension are a gateway to cardiovascular diseases and strokes. However, many of us tend ignore the conditions in the beginning and get a rude awakening when it s too late. In the initial stages, hypertension is manageable with the help of a healthy diet and regular exercise. Blood thinners are only needed when the condition has exacerbated and the blood flow is hindered. However, a new study says that hypertension needs to be treated more aggressively to protect one s heart.
In a statement, American College of Cardiology President Kim Allan Williams, regarding the National Institutes of Health stopping the SPRINT trial early after demonstrating the positive benefits of lower blood pressure control targets, said about 70 million American adults have high blood pressure and only half of them have their condition under control.
Williams added that the preliminary data shows why the cardiovascular community must continue to aggressively fight a condition that leads to stroke, kidney disease and heart problems for our patients.
He noted that the details of the SPRINT trial will be a contributing factor to future guidelines on blood pressure treatment targets, adding that in the meantime, this data gives physicians more information to consider when working to improve outcomes for the patients with high blood pressure.
Here are some tips you can follow to control your blood pressure now and prevent further damage to your heart.
1. Control your salt intake. It is must you cut down on salt and also avoid processed foods. Chips, burgers, pizzas and other such junk foods are full of salt and their regular intake can take a huge toll on your heart.
2. Avoid ghee/butter/oil: Although fats are important for our daily bodily functions, too much of fats can be equally harmful.
3. Regular monitoring: If you have severe hypertension problems, buy a BP monitoring kit at home. Check your BP levels regularly. If you observe any fluctuations, consult your doctor immediately. Read: 10 diet tips for hypertension
With inputs from ANI
Image source: Shutterstock
