Hypertension: The Silent Killer Living in Your Heart
By Dr. Raghvendra Choudhary, DM Cardiology
Hypertension (high blood pressure) affects 1 in 3 adults in India and is the leading cause of stroke, heart attack and kidney failure. Yet most people with hypertension feel perfectly fine — until a catastrophic event occurs.
What is Normal? - Normal: Below 120/80 mmHg - Elevated: 120–129/<80 - Stage 1 Hypertension: 130–139 / 80–89 - Stage 2 Hypertension: ≥140 / ≥90 - Hypertensive Crisis: ≥180/120 (emergency)
Why It Damages the Heart Chronic high pressure forces the heart to work harder, leading to thickening of heart muscle (LVH), weakening of the aorta, and accelerated atherosclerosis in coronary arteries.
Control Strategies - Reduce salt intake to <5 g/day - DASH diet (fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy) - Regular aerobic exercise - Stress management (yoga, meditation) - Medications as prescribed — never stop without consulting your doctor