‘Rising hypertension cases in Tamil Nadu causes concern’

Tiruchy: Eminent cardiologist of Tiruchy, Dr M. Chenniappan has warned that high blood pressure or hypertension is a ‘silent killer’ because it often has no obvious symptoms, but can cause cardiovascular and other complications, and even death.

In his informal chat with the DC here, he said, hypertension is no longer a condition that affects only rich or old or urban individuals. There is an increasing prevalence of hypertension amongst both men and women.

Here, the absence of symptoms does not indicate the absence of disease. He cautioned all adults to get their BP levels checked regularly. He also cited a recent study which showed that 31 per cent of adults between 15 and 49 years in Tamil Nadu had hypertension.

He said the term blood pressure refers to the pressure exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries as it flows through them. High BP is the third leading risk factor that contributes to death and disability in TN and the 4th leading risk factor that contributes to health loss in India.

“People as young as 18 years should ask their doctor to check their BP at least once every two years and increase the frequency to once a year after the age of 40 years,” he added. Dr Chenniappan also pointed out that those diagnosed with high BP must follow their doctor’s advice to bring BP under control and prevent or slow the progress of complications.