World Hypertension Day 2024: Risk Factors For Hypertension You Should Know

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a treatable but fatal disease. Therefore, World Hypertension Day 2024 is observed on May 17th to raise awareness regarding hypertension. This year’s theme is to measure blood pressure accurately, control it, and live longer. Read on for more details!

What exactly is hypertension? 

It is a medical condition in which the blood continuously pushes the artery walls of a person at a higher rate. As a result, the arteries are damaged in the long run and cause serious health problems like stroke or heart attack. 

The most common cause of hypertension is stress. It can happen to people of all ages. According to the study Prevalence of High Blood Pressure Among Youth in India and Association with Future Cardiovascular Disease, 35% of children and 25% of teens suffer from hypertension in India. Additionally, as per the stats of the Indian Council of Medical Research, 28.5% of adults have high BP problems. 

Key Highlights For World Hypertension Day 2024

Here are some key highlights for World Hypertension Day 2024: 

Risk factors For Hypertension

Many people lose their lives due to ignoring the red alerts for hypertension. However, you can live a longer life if you know the common risk factors for hypertension that you shouldn’t ignore. Let’s find out! 

• Individual’s Age

People get more prone to hypertension as they get older. Men aged up to 64 are more likely to have high BP as compared to women. 

• Family History

Similar to all other genetic medical conditions, a person may be at high risk of hypertension if their parent or sibling is suffering from it. 

• Obesity

Being overweight causes changes in the blood vessels and other organs of the human body, resulting in high blood pressure. Therefore, obesity and excess weight can increase the risk of hypertension among individuals. 

• Lack of Physical Activity

One of the major risk factors for hypertension is a lack of physical activity. People gain weight when they do not exercise regularly, causing hypertension in them. 

• Stress

High stress levels may cause an instant rise in blood pressure. Furthermore, stress-related behaviors like overeating, smoking, or drinking alcohol can cause blood pressure to rise even higher. 

• Tobacco Consumption

Smoking or consuming tobacco temporarily increases the risk of hypertension. This is because tobacco damages the blood vessels and accelerates the artery-hardening process. 

When Should You Consult a Doctor? 

Blood pressure screening is an essential part of overall healthcare. How frequently you should visit your doctor for blood pressure screening depends on your age and overall health condition. 

Young individuals can monitor their blood pressure once a year. However, older people with other medical conditions like diabetes must go twice a month for blood pressure screening. Additionally, your doctor may recommend more frequent readings depending on your hypertension stage and other risk factors. 

Why Purchase Health Insurance For Hypertension? 

Hypertension is a chronic illness that requires special medical care and treatment. As a result, high treatment costs can burn a hole in your pocket. If you buy health insurance, you can get high-quality medical care without worrying about expenses. A hypertension health insurance plan will cover your expenses like doctor’s fees, diagnostic test expenses, medication costs, and hospitalization expenses. 

Final Thoughts

Hypertension or high BP can be dangerous in some cases. However, you can always prevent it by keeping track of your blood pressure level and taking action as soon as you see any red alerts for hypertension. Additionally, invest in a health insurance policy that provides coverage for medical expenses incurred due to hypertension treatment.

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