How Can You Manage Hypertension for a Healthy Heart?
Why Is Hypertension a Growing Concern Today? Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is no longer a condition that affects only the elderly. It’s a silent health challenge that now affects people as young as their late 20s, often without any obvious symptoms. As urban lifestyles become more sedentary, diets get richer in salt and stress levels skyrocket, hypertension has evolved into a public health concern.
At Supreme Hospitals, a multispecialty hospital in Padur, Chennai, we’ve seen a sharp rise in patients presenting with elevated blood pressure, many unaware of the risk it carries until a routine check-up or a health scare brings it to light.
Left unmanaged, hypertension can lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart disease (including Mitral valve regurgitation Heart disease), kidney damage and vision loss.
What Causes Blood Pressure to Rise?
Understanding the root causes of hypertension is the first step toward effective management. While genetics play a role, lifestyle factors often tip the scale:
- High sodium intake
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Lack of physical activity
- Chronic stress
- Smoking
- Obesity or being overweight
- Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disorders
Modern living often combines many of these risk factors. The good news? Each of them is manageable with the right guidance and commitment.
How Can You Detect Hypertension Early?
Hypertension is often dubbed the “silent killer” because symptoms typically don’t appear until damage has already occurred. However, some subtle signs may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
The most reliable way to catch hypertension early is through routine health screenings, using tools like a Map Blood Pressure Calculator or clinical devices. At Supreme Hospitals, we offer regular blood pressure monitoring as part of our general check-up packages. Early detection enables timely intervention before complications set in—and helps you understand your Map Blood Pressure calculator readings.
Book a screening appointment today and stay in control of your health.
What Lifestyle Changes Can Lower Your Blood Pressure?
If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension or are at risk, your lifestyle choices will significantly influence your heart health. Here are some of the most impactful changes you can make:
- Reduce sodium intake: Aim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. Read food labels carefully.
- Eat heart-healthy foods: Embrace fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods.
- Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity such as walking or cycling five times a week.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Even a 5 to 10 percent reduction in body weight can lower your blood pressure.
- Limit alcohol: No more than one drink per day for women and two for men.
- Quit smoking: It narrows your blood vessels and makes your heart work harder.
- Practice stress management: Meditation, deep breathing and even hobbies like gardening can reduce stress hormones.
Are Medications Always Necessary?
In mild cases, lifestyle changes alone may be enough to bring blood pressure to a healthy range. However, in moderate to severe cases or when lifestyle adjustments don’t yield sufficient results medications become essential and must be coded accurately with the ICD code 10 for Hypertension. Your cardiologist will explain each class of antihypertensive drug:
- Diuretics (help your kidneys remove sodium)
- Beta-blockers (slow your heart rate)
- ACE inhibitors and ARBs (relax blood vessels)
- Calcium channel blockers (prevent calcium from entering heart cells)
At Supreme Hospitals, our cardiologists assess each case individually and tailor treatment based on your medical history, age and risk factors. We also document your treatment plan with the correct ICD code 10 for Hypertension to ensure continuity of care.
Meet our heart specialists for personalized hypertension care.
How Often Should You Monitor Your Blood Pressure?
Monitoring frequency depends on your risk profile. If you have:
- Normal blood pressure (below 120/80): once every two years
- Elevated levels (120–129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic): annually
- Hypertension Stage 1 or 2: as recommended by your doctor, often monthly or more
We recommend investing in a home blood pressure monitor and maintaining a log to share with your healthcare provider.
What Role Do Routine Check ups Play in Managing Hypertension?
Routine checkups are essential for:
- Tracking blood pressure trends
- Detecting organ damage early, including cardiac issues like mitral valve regurgitation heart disease
- Adjusting medications as needed
- Managing other risk factors like cholesterol and blood sugar
Hypertension doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s often part of a larger metabolic puzzle. At Supreme Hospitals, our integrated care approach ensures that patients are monitored not just for blood pressure but for holistic cardiac health.
Schedule a comprehensive heart health check and take a proactive step toward wellness.
Is Hypertension Management Different for Different Age Groups?
Yes. Young adults with hypertension often need a strong emphasis on lifestyle intervention, while older adults may need careful medication management to avoid interactions with other prescriptions or side effects like dizziness and falls.
Pregnant women also require special attention, as pregnancy-induced hypertension can affect both maternal and fetal health. Our multispecialty team collaborates across departments to offer age- and condition-appropriate treatment plans.
What Should You Avoid If You Have High Blood Pressure?
Aside from dietary and lifestyle triggers already discussed, people with hypertension should be cautious about:
- Over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs which may raise blood pressure
- High-caffeine energy drinks
- Excessive licorice consumption (natural or in candies)
- Skipping medications or taking double doses by mistake
Always consult your physician before making any changes to your routine.
Are You Ready to Take Control of Your Blood Pressure?
Managing hypertension is not a one-time fix but a lifelong commitment. With the right knowledge, support and medical guidance, it’s absolutely possible to live a full, active life.
At Supreme Hospitals in Padur, Chennai, we are committed to helping you navigate your journey to better heart health through timely diagnosis, evidence-based treatment and compassionate care.
Connect with our experts today and take the first step toward a healthier tomorrow.
