Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure. It is a common health problem of Nepal these days, caused due to the unhealthy lifestyle. The force exerted by blood on the blood vessels is called blood pressure.
A reading of 120/ 80 is considered to be normal blood pressure and when the blood pressure of a person is higher than this, then the person is considered to be suffering from hypertension. Though this is not a huge health problem in itself, it might trigger critical health problems like heart attack, kidney failure, and brain stroke. To aware people about the perils of high blood pressure, every year May 17 is celebrated as World Hypertension Day.
My City team talked with members of the public and a medical professional regarding their understanding and awareness of hypertension.
Sunita Shrestha, 46
Sanepa
I am well aware about hypertension as my mom is taking medicine of high blood pressure from last ten years. Therefore, in order to know about my blood pressure and to stay away from any kind of abnormality, I check my blood pressure frequently. I think unhealthy lifestyle, type of food, and lack of exercise are the main causes for the increase of hypertension in Nepal. As most of my family members are suffering from different types of blood pressure problems, I suggest people to check their blood pressure regularly and consult a doctor whenever necessary.
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Sunita Sundas
Nurse at Blue Cross Hospital Pvt Ltd
Blood pressure is measured in two terms: systolic and diastolic. Systolic is the pressure exerted by blood on the wall of arteries and diastolic is the pressure exerted by blood on the wall of veins. Blood pressure is measured by sphygmomanometer. Blood pressure readings of 130/90 or higher are considered to be risky for health.
Any person can suffer from this health problem but people over 50 are more prone to this problem. Similarly, kidney patients are also vulnerable to hypertension as their kidney cannot separate waste products properly. Unhealthy eating habits like heavy consumption of salt and unhealthy lifestyle are considered to be the causes of hypertension but it may be hereditary as well. Hypertension is categorized into two major types: modifiable and non-modifiable. Modifiable hypertension can be controlled and doctors recommend them to live healthy lifestyle instead of taking medicine. Similarly, non-modifiable is the severe type in which patients should take a medicine.
Symptoms of hypertension include headache, nasal bleeding, fainting, etc. If not treated on time it may result in severe complications like heart attack. So it is very important to consult with a doctor if your blood pressure is beyond the range.
Pratima Pathak, 56
Bhotebahal
I am a hypertension patient and I have been taking medicine from the last ten years. I know how to maintain my health. Though it is not a big health problem it might bring about some severe complication to my health like heart attack, so I always try to maintain a healthy lifestyle by reducing salt intake and oil consumption. Similarly, every morning I go for morning walk and try to stay away from any kind of mental stress. I visit a doctor in every two months and suggest other people to do so as nothing is greater than our health. In our times, people used to be involved in different kind of agricultural work and consume hygienic food. But with the development of technology, today’s youth hardly engage themselves in any kind of exercise, due to which they have become prone to hypertension.
Binod Bajracharya, 40
Bhotebahal
My blood pressure is normal but I check it on a regular basis. My health is the biggest thing for me, so I always try to stay healthy. But I could not maintain a healthy lifestyle due to my hectic schedule. I have seen lots of people suffering from this health issue, including my brother and mom. So I suggest everybody to control their unhealthy diet and stay away from any kind of mental stress. I think lack of awareness is the main reason why people are suffering from this kind of health issue. So mass media like radio and television can play a vital role to educate people about the consequences of abnormal blood pressure. Similarly, government and other concerned bodies should organize free health camps in order to help underprivileged and rural people check their health.
Pradeep Upadhya Luitel, 31
Kalanki
Most of my family members are suffering from hypertension including my mom and wife, and I am also suffering from it. To prevent any complication to my health, I used to take a lot of rest but I never did any exercise due to the hectic schedule of my life. Earlier, I used to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But now, I am quite busy and could not maintain it. I haven’t consulted a doctor for long time and I am not taking medicine as well.
Sunil Kumar, 28
Kuleshwar
Though I am a hypertension patient, I am not taking medicine as doctors have said it is not necessary. As per the doctors’ suggestion, I do yoga daily. My mom is also suffering from hypertension and she has been taking medicine for the last five years. I try to maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid medicine. I know that although hypertension may not a big disease in itself, it can cause serious damages to our body. So I suggest people to live a healthy lifestyle. To prevent any health complication, I try to avoid spicy foods and consume a lot of green vegetables and fruits.
