Chandigarh Sees Surge In High Blood Pressure Cases: 50 Of Residents Over 45 Affected (Image Credits: iStock)
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is becoming an increasingly concerning health issue in Chandigarh, alongside diabetes, which has long been the chief non-communicable disease (NCD) in the region. Health experts warn that many individuals remain unaware of their high blood pressure status, often ignoring symptoms that could lead to severe health complications.
Chandigarh Health Secretary Ajay Chagti, speaking at the foundation day celebrations of the World NCD Federation last week at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI), highlighted alarming statistics. He revealed that 35.5 per cent of adults in the Union Territory suffer from high blood pressure—higher than the national average. NCD risk factor data suggests that 50 per cent of people above the age of 45 currently have hypertension.
Hypertension: The Silent Killer
Hypertension is often referred to as a silent killer due to its lack of obvious symptoms. If left uncontrolled, it can lead to severe health complications, including strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, kidney damage, and other chronic conditions. According to experts at PGI, consistently elevated blood pressure is one of the leading causes of premature deaths worldwide.
To counteract this growing health issue, PGI’s School of Public Health has been actively developing NCD prevention strategies. It maintains extensive data on these diseases to develop targeted preventive measures.
The Role of Excessive Salt IntakeOne of the primary factors contributing to high blood pressure is excessive salt consumption. Dr Ashok Yadav, Associate Professor of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology at PGI, highlighted that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily sodium intake of 2 grams (equivalent to 5 grams of salt). However, around 65% of people consume an average of 8 grams per day, significantly exceeding the recommended limit.
Excess sodium causes the body to retain water, increasing the volume of blood in circulation. This additional strain on the heart leads to elevated blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. As a preventive measure, cardiologists advise limiting salt intake and avoiding high-sodium foods such as pickles, sauces, canned soups, processed cheese, frozen meals, and table salt.
Expert Recommendations for Managing Hypertension
Experts recommend keeping blood pressure under 140/90 mmHg to maintain healthy levels. Stricter control is advised for individuals with diabetes or kidney disease.
Professor Dr Rajesh Vijayvergiya from PGI’s Department of Cardiology emphasized the importance of low salt intake, weight management, and medication adherence in controlling hypertension. Chief Dietician Nancy Sahni stressed on proper hydration, a balanced diet, and increased fruit and vegetable intake.
A recent PGI survey on diet and nutrition, which analyzed responses from 60 individuals with an average age of 54 years, revealed troubling patterns. Nearly 48.6 per cent of respondents reported taking their medications irregularly due to scepticism about the necessity of treatment, while 14.3 per cent admitted to forgetfulness. Another 31.4 per cent stopped medication altogether, believing their blood pressure had returned to normal.
Effective Ways to Control High Blood Pressure
Health experts recommend several measures to control and prevent hypertension effectively:
Reduce Salt Intake: Limit the consumption of processed and high-sodium foods. Opt for natural herbs and spices instead of table salt to flavour meals.
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