Jammu and Kashmir : According to Dr Nisar ul Hassan, President of the Doctors Association of Kashmir, approximately 50% of the population in Jammu and Kashmir suffers from hypertension, with many of them unaware of their condition. Dr Nisar emphasized that almost every other person in the region is hypertensive based on new guidelines. The normal blood pressure level, previously set at 130/90 mmHg, is now considered to be below 120/80 mmHg.
Hypertension is a prevalent disease in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting the need for dedicated hypertension clinics in both tertiary care and district hospitals, Dr Nisar suggested. He emphasized the importance of providing a calm environment for patients with high blood pressure, as relaxation is difficult to achieve in general wards or outpatient departments. Therefore, separate clinics focusing on hypertension are necessary.
Dispelling the myth that all individuals with headaches are hypertensive, Dr Nisar explained that hypertension is often a silent disease, highlighting the significance of population-based screening. Increasing awareness and screening efforts are crucial for early detection of hypertension among the population.
Dr Nisar stressed the importance of conducting population-based screenings to accurately determine the number of individuals affected by hypertension. He observed that people in Kashmir have a tendency to consume excessive salt, with traditional Noon chai further contributing to the burden. Raising awareness about the harmful effects of excessive salt intake is essential. Dr Nisar recommended lifestyle modifications such as incorporating fruits, vegetables, and potassium-rich foods into diets, along with reducing salt consumption.
Hypertension affects multiple organs in the body and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Dr Nisar attributed the rise in hypertension to the shift from homemade to junk foods, which often contain high levels of salt and fats.
Highlighting the reality of pediatric hypertension, Dr Nisar emphasized the need for screening children above the age of three. Ignoring hypertension in childhood can lead to complications in adulthood. Currently, approximately 11% of women and 10% of men in Jammu and Kashmir are affected by hypertension, while more than half of the region’s population is in the pre-hypertensive stage.
