PHCC calls for taking practical steps to prevent high blood pressure

(MENAFN - The Peninsula) Doha: The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) called on community members to take practical steps to reduce to a minimum the risk of developing high blood pressure and its harmful consequences. PHCC explained that among those steps is to follow a healthy diet by promoting a healthy lifestyle with an emphasis on proper nutrition, such as reducing salt intake to less than 5 grams per day, eating five servings of fruit and vegetables per day, and reducing total and saturated fat intake. Additional steps include physical activity, for at least 30 minutes a day, as well as maintaining a normal weight and avoiding tobacco, overcoming stress in a healthy way, in addition to obtaining the support of the family doctor. Specialist in family medicine at PHCC's University Health Care Dr. Mohammed Al Tamimi warned in a statement on the occasion of World Hypertension Day, that high blood pressure is a common disease and usually has no symptoms. He pointed out that the main way that leads to high blood pressure is to increase the workload on the heart and blood vessels, which makes them work with the greatest effort and the least efficiency. Dr Al Tamimi mentioned that the theme of World Hypertension Day 2021, which falls on May 17 annually, is "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer" in order to demonstrate the seriousness of this disease and the importance of controlling it and preventing its risks. He said that the discovery of high blood pressure depends on reading blood pressure measurements, as it can be controlled by following a healthy lifestyle and taking medicines if necessary, and cautioned that the higher the blood pressure, the greater the risk of damage to the heart and blood vessels in major organs such as the brain and kidneys. He continued by saying that it must be emphasized that hypertension is one of the most preventable causes of heart diseases and strokes, and if hypertension is left uncontrolled, it can lead to a heart attack, an enlarged heart and eventual heart failure. The health consequences of high blood pressure can also be complicated by other factors that increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney failure, including tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, exposure to constant stress, as well as obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes. Dr Al Tamimi stressed the importance of World Hypertension Day and said that the World Health Organization has identified this occasion with the aim of highlighting its seriousness and raising awareness of it, as prevention is a major reason for avoiding many health risks. He added that for the prevention and treatment of increased blood pressure, all adults should measure their blood pressure periodically, and it is necessary for them to know their numbers, and if it is high they seek medical advice as soon as possible.MENAFN19052021000063011010ID1102100200