May 17 is observed the world over as Hypertension Day – a condition we generally know of as high blood pressure. This is a day meant to increase awareness about hypertension, which is so common in the population but so often goes undetected. It is also a day when we can resolve to make lifestyle changes that will help to naturally control high blood pressure.
Why is hypertension such a significant health issue?
Hypertension does not cause any symptoms by itself, and hence can go undetected. Very often, it is only when a person undergoes a routine health checkup or undergoes medical investigations for some other reason, that hypertension comes to light. High blood pressure over extended periods, particularly when uncontrolled, is a known risk factor for stroke, heart disease, chronic kidney disease and even vision loss and dementia.
Lifestyle factors such as high salt diets, smoking, being overweight and alcohol use are known culprits that lead to hypertension. There are also genetic factors that cause the condition. Hence there are some uncontrollable factors at play, and in a lot of cases medications to control hypertension may become necessary. However, there is a lot that we can do for ourselves to control and reduce high BP as well.
Yoga and high blood pressure
Studies have shown that yoga has an overall beneficial impact upon the body in terms of helping to maintain a healthy body weight, reduce stress and increase wellbeing. This is seen to actually help in lowering the diastolic and systolic measurements even among home practitioners of yoga. Hence specific yoga poses, pranayama, and meditation are seen to be a very helpful and effective addition to any hypertension treatment regimen.
One study showed that those who performed half an hour of yoga experienced significant improvement in their blood pressure levels. This half hour included the intonation of ‘Aum’, breathing exercises, warm up exercises, poses, relaxation and meditation. The study also listed specific poses that included bending of joints, and pranayam protocols and yogic practices such as yoga nidra, yogic abdominal awareness and so on.
So this Hypertension Day, 17th May 2021, do the following for yourself and your loved ones:
- Read up and become more aware of this condition that is known to be a factor in 18% of deaths globally.
- Find out about your family history of high blood pressure: whether your parents or other blood relatives have it and what other ailments they were diagnosed with. This is one way to tell if there is a genetic component that could impact you and your health.
- Regularly get your blood pressure checked and undergo regular health checkups as well. If you have a sedentary job or have a family history of hypertension, consider investing in a home testing machine. Affordable, accurate digital sphygmomanometers are available online and are very easy to use.
- Do not self-medicate and if you have been prescribed BP meds, make sure you take them. Non-adherence to prescribed medications can create complications.
Resolve to commit to yoga – take an online yoga class or consult with a professional about specific poses that will help control hypertension.