One in every eight Indians suffers from High Blood Pressure: Study

New Delhi : One in every eight Indian above 30 years of age is diagnosed with High Blood Pressure, says a government study.

The results from the study are based on the screening of 22.5 million adults across 100 districts in India in the past year.

Interestingly, the findings have been released a week ahead of World Hypertension Day on May 17.

As  per International standards high blood pressure is considered above readings of 130/90 mmHg; however, Indian authorities consider 140/90 mmHg as the threshold for the study among the people screened.

According to doctors, High Blood Pressure is one of the biggest health risk global population is facing these days.

"High blood pressure can cause countless problems like diabetes, stroke, heart disease, kidney failure. So, it's better to keep it under control by adhering to lifestyle changes," Nayani Mathur, a Delhi-based general physician, said Thursday.

"Moreover, it's a matter of concern that even people in rural areas are increasingly getting hypertension. Earlier, life in rural India was said to be healthy and lengthy," she added. 

How to cure or avoid High Blood Pressure?

Hypertension is one unusual condition that has almost no symptoms, and only way to catch it is regular testing of Blood Pressure.

"Eating less salt, doing regular exercises to cut the flab and having a healthy food habit are some of the changes that can be done to keep blood pressure under control. Also it's key to avoid snacking and binge drinking," said Rabin Rai, another Delhi-based physician.

"Most important way to keep blood pressure under control is to quit smoking and not remain stressed all the time. Blood pressure is the key to a number of organs. Also don't forget to take your daily medication as prescribed by doctors," he added.