A recent study conducted by the ICMR-National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (ICMR-NCDIR) indicated a disturbing trend. Nearly three out of every ten people in India aged 18 to 54 have never had a blood pressure test.
The study, published in the International Journal of Public Health (IJPH), reveals regional variations in blood pressure screening across the country. It shows that the southern parts of India had significantly higher rates of blood pressure screening, with roughly 76% of people reporting having their blood pressure checked at least once. Significant regions with high screening rates include Lakshadweep (91%), Kerala (89%), Tamil Nadu (83%), and Puducherry (83%). On the other hand, the northern part of India has significantly lower numbers, with approximately 70% of people reporting having had their blood pressure checked.
However, the survey reveals large variations within individual states and regions. Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh had screening rates of around 62.4% and 62%, respectively. Similarly, in the east, states like Odisha and Jharkhand had screening rates of about 56% and 60%, respectively. Gujarat has a screening rate of 58% in the western region, and Nagaland has a comparable ratio of 58% in the northeast.
Blood pressure, measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), is the force exerted by blood on the walls of arteries. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the pressure in the arteries increases, which can lead to serious medical conditions such as a heart attack, stroke, or renal failure.
Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant in internal medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, highlights the importance of blood pressure monitoring, especially considering the increasing number of heart attacks and strokes among young people. Dr. Chatterjee recommends that people get their blood pressure monitored as early as 25 years old due to the rising frequency of non-communicable diseases.
High blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg. Individuals with systolic blood pressure of 120 to 140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure of 80 to 90 mm Hg are classified as pre-hypertensive. Considering these findings, it is crucial that individuals prioritize frequent blood pressure readings in order to maintain optimal health and avoid potential health issues related to hypertension.
(Input from various resources)
(Rehash/Susmita Bhandary/MSM)