Chandigarh: PGI survey uncovers hypertension fallacies among senior citizens
The survey by the department of dietetics at PGIMER, Chandigarh, conducted from March 10-15, focused on 60 hypertensive patients, mostly senior citizens (60% male and 40% female), at special diet clinics at New OPD and Advanced Cardiac Centre
A week-long survey by the department of dietetics at PGIMER, as part of World Kidney Day celebrations, has revealed misconceptions about hypertension among patients.
The survey, conducted from March 10-15, focused on 60 hypertensive patients, mostly senior citizens (60% male and 40% female), at special diet clinics at New OPD and Advanced Cardiac Centre.
Key findings highlighted myths, lifestyle factors and early kidney failure signs.
40.9% of patients believed high blood pressure is curable, while 17.4% used over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). 48.6% were irregular with hypertension medication due to disbelief in the need for treatment and another 14.3% due to forgetfulness.
31.4% stopped medication thinking their blood pressure was normal. Additionally, 21% tried alternative treatments for blood pressure control.
9.1% of patients showed early signs of kidney failure, such as swelling in feet and frequent urination at night. 37% had diabetes, with 17.4% reporting a family history of the condition. 9% were smokers, and 13.04% consumed alcohol more than three times a week.
Dietary habits were concerning: 70.45% consumed fewer than the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables, while 16% drank fewer than 2-3 glasses of water daily. 13.4% over-consumed pink salt to control bloody pressure, unaware it can be harmful, especially for kidney patients due to its high potassium content. Only 19.5% patients were consuming the recommended 1 tsp per day.
{{/usCountry}}Dietary habits were concerning: 70.45% consumed fewer than the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables, while 16% drank fewer than 2-3 glasses of water daily. 13.4% over-consumed pink salt to control bloody pressure, unaware it can be harmful, especially for kidney patients due to its high potassium content. Only 19.5% patients were consuming the recommended 1 tsp per day.
{{/usCountry}}Consumption of pickles and papads on a daily basis was reported by 29% patients, unaware that they can increase their sodium intake.
{{/usCountry}}Consumption of pickles and papads on a daily basis was reported by 29% patients, unaware that they can increase their sodium intake.
{{/usCountry}}Chief dietician Dr Nancy Sahni said blood pressure was a silent killer whose symptoms were hard to notice, but it could cause various health issues—from heart stroke to kidney failure.
{{/usCountry}}Chief dietician Dr Nancy Sahni said blood pressure was a silent killer whose symptoms were hard to notice, but it could cause various health issues—from heart stroke to kidney failure.
{{/usCountry}}She clarified that high blood pressure was controllable, but not curable. She advised patients to follow prescribed medication, maintain a healthy diet and weight, stay hydrated and limit salt intake.
{{/usCountry}}She clarified that high blood pressure was controllable, but not curable. She advised patients to follow prescribed medication, maintain a healthy diet and weight, stay hydrated and limit salt intake.
{{/usCountry}}Dr Ashish Bhalla, professor in the department of internal medicine, sensitised patients regarding importance of lifestyle changes in managing hypertension and preventing kidney disease.
