One study says people with no risk factors must have blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg (representative)

New Delhi:

Doctors say adults between the ages of 18 and 40 must have their blood pressure levels checked every three years to check for underlying conditions so they can be diagnosed and treated more quickly.

A recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Center for Disease Informatics and Research (ICMR-NCDIR) revealed that about 30% of Indians have never had their blood pressure tested.

“People above 40 years of age should have their blood pressure checked every year. People between 18 and 40 years should have their blood pressure checked every three to five years, unless they fall into the high-risk category,” said chief consultant Dr Tushar Tayal. Department of Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon told IANS.

Dr Ajay Agarwal, Director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Noida, added: “All patients with hypertension should monitor their blood pressure using a digital sphygmomanometer at least once a month, preferably after taking a 15-minute break and tying the cuff around the middle of the arm.”

He explained that in patients without risk factors, blood pressure must be below 140/90 mmHg. Dr Ajay told IANS that in people with risk factors like diabetes or kidney disease, to reduce the risk of target organ damage (kidney, heart or eyes), the ratio should be less than 130/80.

Studies also show that about 34% of Indians have prehypertension – an intermediate state between normal blood pressure and high blood pressure.

Research shows it’s equally worrisome because it contributes to cardiovascular disease to a large extent.

“It’s important to check your blood pressure and keep it under control, with or without medication, because undiagnosed high blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke, heart disease, kidney damage and eye damage,” says Dr. Tayal.

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