The expert
panel of leading cardiologists was holding a discussion at the eighth edition
of the series themed – Prevention
and Management of Hypertension
· Preventable and
treatable disorders like high cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension when detected
early can make life comfortable and disease-free for children
· Hypertension
more prevalent in lower middle-income countries than developed countries
· Cases of
hypertension in
The Associated
Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), one of the apex trade
associations of
Supported by the
hygiene brand SAVLON, the programme, an innovative and comprehensive approach
to cascade awareness through wellness campaigns to address preventive
healthcare management and to promote health, hygiene, and well-being of people,
saw the renowned panelists firstly put forth the commonality of hypertension
and how it is shows its presence even in children.
Reflecting on how
hypertension is no longer a rich man’s disease but a steady silent
killer, Padma Bhushan Dr. T.S. Kler, Chairperson, PSRI Heart Institute said,
“Hypertension is currently one of the most common diseases in the world today.
It was estimated in 2012 that there are 1.13 billion people with hypertension.
In men, only 9.2% of the adult population have hypertension and in females it was
4.5%. So roughly, more than one fourth of the world population has
hypertension. Two third of the patients of hypertension are in the lower
middle-income countries. In fact, incidents of hypertension are less in
advanced countries like
Elaborating on how children
too are prone to hypertension, Dr. Manjinder Sandhu, Director
Cardiology & Artemis Cardiac Care said, “It is a big myth that
children do not have hypertension, rather a significant number of children do
have it. In fact, pediatricians these days routinely check blood pressure of
children. When children or young adults have hypertension, we need to explore
secondary causes. This is very important because earlier blood pressure of
children would not be checked, and they would go undetected. By the time it was
detected, it would have already created a lot of damage in the body due to the
constant high pressure exerted.”
He also added that
patients of hypertension are not necessarily more prone to contracting COVID-19
or developing severe symptoms but bear the same risks as a healthy person.
Adding to the
discussion by focusing on how early detection can help prolong lives, Prof
Dr. Raman Puri, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Indraprastha Apollo
Hospital and Chairman, Lipid Association of India said, “If parents
have a history of premature coronary artery disease then the child comes at
high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. In such a case, cholesterol
test should be done at least at the age of 11 or at least at 18. For children
born with family history of high cholesterol, it can be done as early as 2
years of life. It may seem surprising, but it is the right age to detect.
Detecting high cholesterol in the younger age group and bringing it down to a
normal range will prolong their life. I request parents to screen their child’s
blood sugar and lipid profile at least at ages 18 or 20. Preventable and
treatable disorders like high cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension when
detected early can make life comfortable and disease-free for these children.”
He further added that
cardiovascular mortality in Europe and
The expert panel
unanimously agreed that those suffering from hypertension, diabetes and other
cardiovascular diseases, can easily bring it under control through regular
exercise, weight control and by learning better management of internal and
external stress. Regular monitoring and continuation of prescribed medicines
can keep these conditions from developing into high risk factors.
