Abstract

DIET AND LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION IN HYPERTENSION

Dr. Darishisha L. Suting, Dr. Vivek Singh, *Dr. Vijay Kumar and Prof. (Dr.) P. K. Goswami

Abstract

Hypertension is a term used to indicate high blood pressure. It is a condition characterized by an increase in the arterial pressure of an individual. It is the most common cardiovascular disease all over the world. The higher the blood pressure is, the higher is the risk of complications like stroke, myocardial infarction and renal failure. Blood pressure is the measurement of the force exerted by blood on the arterial walls as the heart pumps blood. Hypertension is a global issue. In India, it is estimated to range from 4 to 8 percent and the trend is increasing due to changes in lifestyle. A report has indicated that nearly 1 billion adults globally or worldwide had hypertension in 2000 and this is predicted to increase to 1.56 billion by 2025. India is labelled as a global capital of hypertension. Hypertension results from a variety of reasons like stress, obesity, genetic factors, excessive intake of salt in the diet and ageing. The principal focus of Ayurveda is on maintaining good health and adopting a healthy way of living. This article is an effort to prevent and control hypertension with modifications in the diet and lifestyle of an individual.

Keywords: Hypertension, high blood pressure, diet, lifestyle, physical activity, cardiovascular disease.