Nearly 60% Citizens Neglect Regular Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Checks: Mumbai Hospital Survey

On the occasion of World Heart Day, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, conducted an online poll among respondents revealing alarming trends in neglecting essential health practices. The survey found that many individuals fail to regularly monitor their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, physical activity, and water intake.

With rising cases of sudden cardiac arrest and other heart-related complications among young people, experts emphasize that regular monitoring of these basic health parameters, along with cardiac screening after the age of 30, can help prevent early-stage heart problems and significantly reduce risks.

In an online poll conducted by Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road with a sample size of 547 inclusive of both males and females aged 20-75. Of 152 people, 100 rarely monitored their blood pressure while 52 managed it regularly.  Out of 103 people, 64 didn’t check their cholesterol levels whereas, 39 tracked them. In 115 participants, 66 exercised less than once a week while 49 exercised more than thrice a week. In 177 participants, 90 were not properly hydrated and drank less than 8 glasses of water whereas, 87 drank more than 8 glasses of water. This study highlights the importance of regular blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring for keeping the heart healthy.

“Hypertension is a silent killer and over a long time will lead to a heart attack, coronary artery disease, stroke, kidney disease, and peripheral vascular disease. The strain of high blood pressure inside blood vessels causes wear and tear in the endothelium (the layer of cells that ensures no clots are formed inside blood vessels), raising the risk of injury and plaque buildup in the arteries and stenosis (narrowing of the blood vessels). So, for example; say out of 100 people who have hypertension, 30 are diagnosed and prescribed medication. Only 30% take medication and have adequate control. That means, out of 100, only 3 will have adequate blood pressure control,” said Dr Anup R Taksande, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road.

Dr Anup Taksande added, “High cholesterol plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow and making one prone to a heart attack. Those with a family history of hypertension and cholesterol should be cautious and take the necessary measures and medications. Monitoring blood pressure, doing lipid profile tests for cholesterol management, and cardiac screening every year after the age of 30 are essential. Other strategies such as ensuring enough hydration and exercising five times a day for 45 minutes will also be beneficial for the heart.”

At least 4.6 million deaths in India can be prevented by 2040 if half its hypertensive population controls its blood pressure, according to the first-ever report released by WHO on the global impact of hypertension. It estimates that 31 percent of the country’s population or 188.3 million people are living with the condition currently. Considering high blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher) leads to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage, and many other health problems and is preventable, the WHO flags problem areas.

Only 37 per cent of Indians with hypertension are diagnosed and only 30 per cent get treated. At present, only 15 per cent of those with hypertension in the country have it under control, the report says. It adds, more than half of all the deaths in the country (52 per cent) due to cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack can be attributed to elevated blood pressure.