By Tetsuya Yamada
Hypertension, often referred to as the “silent killer,” typically presents no symptoms until it has caused considerable damage to the heart and arteries, which can sometimes be fatal. Alarmingly, the minimum age of cardiac patients is decreasing, with India accounting for at least one-fifth of the 17.9 million cardiovascular disease-related deaths globally, particularly among the younger generation and, heart disease accounting for about 27% of deaths, making it a leading cause of mortality.
Also, the country has more than 220 million people who suffer from high blood pressure, but a WHO study showed that only 15% of them receive treatment. Approximately 5% of them use a digital BP monitor. This implies that most of them are either unaware of their condition, or they don’t get the proper treatment. If this is the case for hypertension monitoring, one can estimate that the gap for ECG monitoring will be enormous.
So, what is the solution? While leading a healthy lifestyle is essential, it is equally important to incorporate regular monitoring of blood pressure, ECG and Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) into our routines. A recent ICMR study revealed that 30% of Indians aged 18-54 have never had their blood pressure measured. AFib, a prevalent heart rhythm disorder, characterized by irregular and rapid heartbeats, increase the risk of complications such as stroke and heart failure.
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Stroke risk is 3.4 times higher with hypertension, but it is 5 times higher with Afib, and so if people frequently have Afib, they may face a stroke soon. This signifies that monitoring both ECG and blood pressure at home and keeping the doctor informed is crucial for the early management of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health conditions like.
Continuous home monitoring, especially using devices that measure Hypertension and ECG, can also identify Afib – irregular heart rhythms as they occur enabling patients to manage their cardiovascular health more comprehensively. Global Initiatives like May Measurement Month (MMM) and World Hypertension Day (commemorated on May 17) are dedicated toward raising awareness around adopting the habit of blood pressure monitoring.
Initiated by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) in collaboration with other health organizations, MMM addresses the critical need for increased public awareness and screening efforts. MMM screens millions of people across 90+ countries between May and July through free blood pressure screening campaigns, helping to identify individuals with hypertension who may be unaware of their condition underlining the thought that early detection through these screenings can prompt timely medical intervention. The initiative also focuses on collecting data on global blood pressure levels, aiding in understanding the scale of the problem and formulating effective public health strategies to combat hypertension
Monitoring and screening hypertension and ECG at home is a critical step in preventing cardiac events and managing overall heart health. Home monitoring is also less stressful compared to clinical visits, especially for patients who are prone to “white-coat hypertension” in clinical settings. Coupled with real-time sharing of this data with the physicians and health care providers, this can lead to more informed disease management.
With a significant portion of the population at risk and a scarcity of healthcare resources for measurement of ECG, especially in countries like India, regular home monitoring can play a significant role in controlling the disease burden. By taking proactive measures, individuals can take their health into their own hands, significantly reducing their risk of severe cardiac events and leading healthier, longer lives.
(The author is MD, OMRON Healthcare India. Views are the author’s own and not necessarily those of financialexpress.com.)
