| Protecting hearts, preserving minds: Dr Sushil | | | 
early times report
Jammu, Oct 5: While spearheading their campaign towards the prevention of cardiac ailments Head Department of Cardiology GMCH Jammu Dr Sushil Sharma held a day long cardiac awareness cum health check up camp at 76 BN CRPF HQ Gangyal , Jammu . The camp aimed to raise awareness about hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, which are increasingly affecting people due unhealthy lifestyle.
While delivering the lecture Dr Sushil stated that despite medical advancements, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally and hypertension stands at the center of this epidemic. Hypertension is a silent killer that can lead to severe health complications if left unmanaged. The American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) have revised guidelines to diagnose hypertension as Normal (< 120/80 mmHg), Elevated (120-129/<80 mmHg) , Stage 1 hypertension ( 130-139/ 80-89 mmHg) and Stage 2 Hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg) emphasizing early detection and tight blood pressure control to reduce cardiovascular risk. Notably, these guidelines lowered the threshold for hypertension diagnosis to 120/80 mmHg, a move grounded in robust evidence demonstrating that even modestly elevated readings can translate into a significant increase in adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
He elaborated that from a population health perspective, these guidelines underscore the urgent need for screening, education, and community-level interventions. Hypertension frequently goes undetected, especially in low-resource settings where awareness and access to care are limited. The AHA/ACC recommendations encourage public health authorities to invest in early detection programs, home monitoring initiatives, and culturally sensitive education campaigns promoting heart-healthy behaviors. Moreover, integrating cognitive assessments into hypertension clinics can help clinicians identify patients at risk of neurocognitive decline and intervene early. This holistic approach bridges the gap between cardiology and neurology, fostering a new model of preventive medicine where cardiovascular and cognitive outcomes are addressed in tandem
Dr Sushil advocates for a comprehensive approach to managing hypertension, focusing on life style modifications and, when necessary, pharmacological therapy.at a stage when target organ damage is still reversible. This proactive approach has the potential to save millions of lives, prevent disabling strokes, and reduce the economic burden of chronic heart disease worldwide. Lifestyle modification forms the cornerstone of this strategy. Among the most effective interventions is adherence to the Key strategies include Dash Diet: Consume fruits, Vegetables, Whole grains, lean protein, and low fat dairy products. Sodium Restriction: Limit daily Intake to below 2300mg, ideally around 1500mg. Physical Activity: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise weekly. Weight Management: Achieve a 5-10 % reduction body weight for measurable improvements in blood pressure and metabolic health. Alcohol moderation and smoking cessation: Both are vital to reduce oxidative stress and vascular inflammation and Stress Management: Incorporate mindfulness, Yoga, and relaxation techniques to modulate autonomic activity.
Dr Sushil Sharma in his concluding remarks told that the AHA/ACC High Blood Pressure Guidelines represent a forward-thinking evolution in medical practice one that embraces the interconnectedness of body systems and the multifaceted nature of chronic disease. They remind us that controlling blood pressure is not merely a statistical exercise; it is a lifelong commitment to preserving vitality, cognition, and independence. In clinical terms, early diagnosis, comprehensive management, and patient education can collectively transform outcomes. In public health terms, widespread adoption of these principles can shift entire populations toward healthier futures. |
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