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Adults aged 18 to 40 should have their blood pressure checked every three years to detect any underlying disease and enable prompt diagnosis and treatment, doctors said here on Tuesday.
According to a recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Center for Disease Informatics and Research (ICMR-NCDIR), Bangalore, about 30 percent of Indians have never checked their blood pressure.
“People above 40 should have their blood pressure checked once a year. People between the ages of 18 and 40 should have their blood pressure checked every three to five years unless they fall into the high-risk category,” Dr Tushar Tayal, lead consultant, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS..
“All hypertensive patients should have their blood pressure monitored at least once a month with a digital BP monitor, ideally after 15 minutes of rest and with a mid-arm cuff,” adds Dr. Ajay Agarwal – Director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Noida.
He explains that patients without risk factors must have a blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg. And in those with risk factors like diabetes or kidney disease, it should be less than 130/80 to reduce the risk of target organ damage (kidneys, heart or eyes), Dr Ajay told IANS.
The study also found that about 34 percent of Indians are in the pre-hypertensive stage, a condition between normal blood pressure and hypertension. Studies have shown this to be equally worrisome, as it contributes substantially to cardiovascular disease.
“It is important to check BP and keep it under control (with or without medication) because undiagnosed high blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke, heart attack, kidney damage and eye damage,” says Dr Tushar.
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