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Worrying study says cases of high blood pressure are increasing among young MBBS students; What is behind this?
A study conducted by a leading tertiary care medical institute in Mumbai has highlighted the alarming prevalence of hypertension or high blood pressure among young medical students pursuing MBBS. Hypertension, often called the silent killer, has emerged as a serious public health challenge worldwide. Read on to know more.
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At least 25.2 students were hypertensive, with blood pressure levels measured above 140/90 mm Hg.
A cross-sectional study has highlighted the alarming prevalence of hypertension or high blood pressure among young medical students pursuing MBBS. The research, conducted by a leading tertiary care medical institute in Mumbai, highlights actionable insights for intervention.
Led by Aditya Saran, a third-year MBBS student at HBT Medical College and Dr. RN Cooper Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai, it targeted 250 students aged 18-24 years. The purpose of the study was to estimate prevalence of hypertensionIdentify associated risk factors, and propose strategies for early detection and prevention.
According to eye-opening findings that show significant implications for medical education, at least 25.2 percent students were suffering from high blood pressure Blood pressure level was measured more than 140/90 mm Hg. About 22 percent are classified as Stage I and 3.2 percent as Stage II hypertension, with blood pressure levels greater than 160/90 mm Hg.
Research states that more than 50 percent of hypertensive students were unaware of their condition. Additionally, an additional 32.4 percent had pre-hypertensive blood pressure levels greater than 120/80 mm Hg, indicating a high-risk population that requires close monitoring.
High blood pressure is more prevalent in male students
The study found that cases of high blood pressure were more common among male students at about 36.8 percent, while it was 0.1 percent among females.
Blood pressure is the measurement of the pressure or force of blood on the blood vessel walls. Your BP reading has two numbers:
- The top number is systolic blood pressure, which measures the pressure on your artery walls when your heart beats or contracts.
- The lower number is the diastolic blood pressure. It measures the pressure on your artery walls between beats when your heart is resting.
What is Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure,
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 220 million people in India suffer from high blood pressure, and only 12 percent have their blood pressure under control. Some risk factors for this condition include:
- having biological family members with high blood pressure
- being over 55 years of age
- Having certain medical conditions, including chronic kidney disease and metabolic syndrome
- being obese or overweight
- not exercising
- eating foods high in sodium and salt
- smoking
- drinking alcohol
What is Symptoms and signs of high blood pressure,
According to experts, high blood pressure usually has no signs or symptoms. Thatās why healthcare providers call it the āsilent killer.ā You may have high blood pressure for years and not even know it. WHO estimates that 46 percent of adults with high blood pressure worldwide do not know they have the disease.
When your blood pressure is 180/120 mmHg or higher, you may experience some symptoms such as:
- Headache
- heartbeat
- hemorrhage
Doctors say that if blood pressure gets too high, it is a hypertensive crisis that requires immediate medical care.
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prevalence of hypertension
Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure
Symptoms and signs of high blood pressure