Despite being one of the high-risk conditions, without any definite cause or symptom, hypertension is one of the most preventable, curable, and manageable conditions. Both prevention and management can help one avoid the complications that can arise from primary, secondary, and sometimes malignant hypertension.

Regular monitoring of blood pressure
Every one in 3 persons in the country has high blood pressure. Earlier, one had to visit the local doctor or a clinic to measure this. Today, however, there are many devices which help measure blood pressure at home. They can be worn in the upper arm or wrist. You can measure your blood pressure twice a day, record it in your mobile, and share it with your doctor during your next visit. Some of the popular blood pressure monitor devices are Qardioarm, Omron Evolv, Kinetik®, Blipcare, etc.

Wearable devices also are becoming popular with a goal to monitor blood pressure, thereby preventing heart attack, heart failure, and stroke for those who are under high risk. ASUS Vivo Watches BP is one of the first wearable watches that can track your blood pressure. It uses embedded sensors. More such wearable watches from Apple and Samsung are awaiting approval from the FDA.

Diet
A dietary approach to stop hypertension is recommended. Additionally, the DASH diet was designed to help prevent hypertension and also help people with hypertension manage it. When it was noticed that blood pressure was less prevalent among vegetarians and vegans, the DASH diet was designed with a focus on grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean meat. It also emphasizes reducing sodium/salt and increasing foods rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium. The DASH diet helps weight-reduction, lowers blood pressure, and encourages people to add fresh food and avoid packaged, frozen items and unsaturated fats.

Physical activity
WHO (The World Health Organization) recommends about 30 minutes of brisk physical activity for 30 minutes every day to prevent and manage hypertension.

Beating stress
Stress in today’s domestic and professional life is almost unavoidable. Following best practices to manage stress and engaging in breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga helps you relax and have a positive attitude. You learn to cope with stress, thereby beating hypertension.

Reduction of alcohol and smoking
Regulating the consumption of alcohol and quitting smoking completely and avoiding inhaling second-hand smoking are definite ways of preventing hypertension.