High blood pressure (BP) is called as a ‘silent killer’ as it often shows no symptoms. It is a major public health problem in India and its prevalence is rapidly increasing among both urban and rural populations. Lifestyle changes are important for preventing and treating high blood pressure.

Though essential hypertension remains somewhat mysterious, it has been linked to certain risk factors.  Kidney is a major risk factor for high BP. It has been found that about 7 in 10 people who have their first heart attack have high BP. About 8 in 10 people who suffer their first stroke are found to have high BP. About 7 in every 10 people with chronic heart failure have high BP. The risk factor increases with age.

Dr. Vijay Chandra Reddy says that one should start checking their BP from their 20’s and should get checkups regularly. Hypertension can be prevented by a healthy diet and active lifestyle. It is better to prevent it than to treat it with medicines. Healthy changes include maintaining a normal weight, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, reducing sodium (salt) intake and increasing potassium intake.

A caller asked if it is common for a woman to get high BP after pregnancy. Doctor said the pressure increases during pregnancy but it comes back to normal after delivery. If the condition continues, one has to consult their physician.

When a caller asked if there will be any side effects if one start the medication at an early age , the doctor advised him to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly for few months. If the condition improves, medication is not necessary. If not, then he can take medication after consulting with his doctor.

Another caller asked how he could deal with the side effects of the medication. The doctor replied that all allopathic medicines have side effects but most are reversible. It is best to inform the doctor about the side effect and discuss a way to reduce it. Anger and stress can lead to hypertension. He also mentions that his favorite movie is ‘Anger Management’ by Peter Segal. The Doctor concluded by saying that the activities he follows to relax and reduce stress are doing Yoga, Gardening and playing with his pet to deal with hypertension.