United against Hypertension: Empower your Heart

The Swavalamban Avam Swabhimaan Foundation (SAS Foundation) Foundation and JV EdTech Medovation organized a panel discussion to sensitize about Hypertension titled, ‘Empower your heart: A journey to Hypertension well-being’ a major cause of premature death worldwide on 23rd May 6pm as part of the health series webinar.

Introduction to SAS foundation & Panelists

·??????? Initially Dr. Nitin Saini , the secretary and treasurer introduced the SAS Foundation, which aims to empower the aspirations of youth through four key pillars: education, health, environment, and community development. The foundation has established a computer training center for an NGO, is creating a modern computer lab for a government school, and is organizing e-waste collection drives.

·??????? Dr. Jyoti Dongre Rao , the moderator for the panel discussion welcomed all participants, and then introduced the panelists, including Marilyn Olivera , Poornesh Shetty , P.Manoharan Nathan (RN) , and Ms Vaishali Dongare, to all present.

Hypertension and Awareness

Ms Marilyn, led an insightful discussion on why hypertension is so serious and how to diagnose it early.

• She defined hypertension as consistently high blood pressure and explained its two main types: primary hypertension, which is not linked to any medical cause, and secondary hypertension, which is caused by an underlying medical condition. ?
• She also mentioned that mostly Hypertension goes undiagnosed as it does not show any symptoms initially. Prolonged high pressure may cause frequent headaches, blurring of vision, chest tightness and so on.
• The key would be to diagnose it early and prevent complications to the eyes, heart, kidneys and brain.

Stress and Hypertension: Understanding the Connection

Mr Manoharan discussed the link between stress and hypertension, emphasizing that stress can have negative health impacts if not managed effectively.

• He explained how stress affects the body's 'flight or fight' response, leading to increased heart rate and blood vessel constriction.
• He also began to discuss ways to combat stress by practicing healthy habits such as regular exercise, getting enough sleep, alternative therapies such as yoga, mindfulness, resilience building and also taking time out to practice a hobby, something that gives joy.
• He also emphasized on spending quality time with family and loved ones, who understand and help to relieve stress.

Yoga and Hypertension

Ms Vaishali highlighted the benefits of yoga as a complementary therapy for hypertension management, emphasizing its stress-reducing and relaxation effects.

• She explained the benefits and techniques of various yoga poses for reducing hypertension, stress, and anxiety.
• She emphasized the importance of holding each pose for a minimum of 10 seconds to achieve maximum benefit.
• Vaishali also highlighted that individual’s with back, hip, or neck issues should avoid certain poses.
• She also suggested to focus on breathing during each pose to enhance relaxation.

Hypertension Self-Care and Management Guidance

Ms Marilyn emphasized that hypertension is a lifestyle disorder primarily managed at home through lifestyle changes. She outlined a mnemonic "PEARL" for self-care:

P -Primary screening for early diagnosis

E -Exercise regularly through simple activities such as climbing flight of stairs or a 2 minute walking break.

A - Anti-hypertensive medications as prescribed following right dose, right time even if feeling better. ?She also urged to carry extra medication when traveling, and letting the doctor guide any treatment changes based on home monitoring.

R- Regular monitoring of blood pressure and following up with the doctor

L - Lifestyle modifications. She stressed on the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle for well-being, detailing the 'DASH diet' and advocating for regular exercise, weight reduction, quitting tobacco, stress management, and limiting the intake of fatty, sugary, and processed foods instead prefer home cooked healthy food. She shared few tips on healthy choices during dining out.

• Mr Poornesh added that JVEDTech Medovation provides tailored exercise routines based on a comprehensive body test and fitness assessment which helps to take charge of one’s own wellbeing.

Insights from the active audience

• Mr Abdul, a delegate underscored the importance of dietary changes and regular exercise in preventing and managing hypertension, and the benefits of incorporating millets into the diet and acupressure into a fitness routine.
• Dr Maru Mohan, another esteemed delegate discussed the link between mental health, stress, and hypertension, emphasizing the importance of understanding and managing stress from a young age.
• Ms Heena asked if medicines can be discontinued once she feels better as she has managed her stress now, compared to when it was started. Ms Marilyn clarified that hypertension medication is necessary even without stress, as 90% of hypertension is due to external factors beyond individual control. She cautioned against sudden discontinuation of medication, highlighting potential rebound hypertension and complications.? The team underscored the importance of managing stress and regular follow-ups with a doctor for any dose changes.