Hypertension more prevalent than ever in Nagaland

May 18, 2023 31 Views No Comment

Atono Tsükrü Kense
Kohima | May 18

Hypertension described as a ‘silent epidemic’ is becoming more prevalent than ever in Nagaland while the hypertensive population is getting younger.

These, among others, were concerns shared by a doctor on World Hypertension Day, observed every May 17, to raise awareness and promote hypertension prevention, detection and control.

This year, the theme was ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!’

Simply defined, hypertension, commonly referred as high blood pressure, is blood pressure higher than normal.

Accordingly, having blood pressure measures consistently above normal may result in a diagnosis of hypertension.

Marking the day, the Department of Health & Family Welfare (DoH&FW), Government of Nagaland in a flyer, stated that high blood pressure usually has no symptoms and some people living with hypertension are unaware of their conditions.

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), the prevalence rate of hypertension in Nagaland in the age group of 15 years and above was 22.4% in female and 28.7% in male. (See box)

In addition, the World Health Organisation (WHO), estimated that 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 years worldwide have hypertension. However, an estimated 46% of adults are unaware that they have the condition.

It is common but can be serious if not treated, the WHO informed in a statement issued on the eve of World Hypertension Day, adding that reducing hypertension, among others, prevents heart attack, stroke and kidney damage, as well as other health problems.

Hypertensive population getting younger
Sharing some concerns to The Morung Express, Dr Kejavisa Savino, a clinician from Oking Hospital, Kohima observed that hypertension is more prevalent than ever although there is no exact data currently.

With each passing years, the hypertensive population is getting younger and younger by the year, he said, adding that it is very common to seen many hypertensives among those below the age of 30 years.

“By age group, the higher your age is, the more you are likely to be hypertensive. But as a clinician, our main targets are the young people with high BP in whom intervention is going to make a big impact in their future health,” he stated.

Lifestyle – main culprit
The clinician attributed ‘fast paced lifestyle’ as one of the main causes behind the prevalence of the condition, particularly among the young people.

“We are eating richer food, both in content and amount, and at the same time, the physical activity level is decreasing for most people, including those from rural areas,” he elaborated.

“Many people know that they have high blood pressure, but being a largely silent epidemic, most people don’t know why high blood pressure is bad for them and how treatment of hypertension is beneficial for them,” he added.

Accordingly, Dr Savino strongly underscored the need for awareness among the populace and pointed out that education must reach the masses that “blood pressure treatment is something you do to keep your heart, kidneys and brain protected from heart diseases, kidney failures and stroke.”

He also advised that people can start taking care of their health by keeping fit and active, eating healthy and avoiding tobacco.

Also, for those who are already hypertensive, he said regular medication, timely follow up and regular screening of organ damage is life saving, and also makes very good economic sense compared to spending money dealing with the complications of high BP after many years of neglect.

The flyer by the H&FW also advised people to visit the nearest health centre for free screening and testing for high blood pressure and ensure early care and treatment to prevent health complications such as stroke, heart disease etc.

Besides checking blood pressure yearly, it further advised for healthy foods, be physically active, manage stress, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting salt intake (less than 1tsp/day), avoidance of drugs, smoking and alcohol.

“Hypertension is a silent killer that rarely causes symptoms. Increasing public awareness about hypertension is key, along with access to early detection and management,” stated Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region in a message on the World Hypertension Day.