Hypertension, commonly called as high blood pressure is ranked as the third most important risk factor attributing to the disease burden of South Asia and contributes to 57% of Stroke and 24% of Coronary Heart Disease mortality in India. As per WHO, hypertension as the most important cause of premature deaths in the world. Hypertension is further classified as primary or secondary. The former category in which about 90-95% cases fall has no obvious underlying reason and secondary hypertensions usually result because of some chronic disease. Usually the conditions or factors that contribute to high blood pressure are:

Smoking
Lack of physical activity
Obesity
Alcohol
Stress
Family history of blood pressure
Old age
Certain diseases or certain medications

However, the good news is that blood pressure can be managed by changing the lifestyle and diet. High blood pressure could be a risk for heart diseases and stroke so good management of blood pressure by doing regular check- ups, diet management and following DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is the key. The DASH diet emphasises on vegetables, fruit and low-fat dairy foods with moderate amounts of whole grains, nuts, fish & poultry. This diet is low in saturated fat, cholesterol and total fat. Regular physical exercise, reducing sodium intake, reducing alcohol intake, will also help keep the blood pressure in check. So take a step towards better management of your blood pressure and put on your running shoes to maintain a healthy body weight besides altering your dietary habits.