Hypertension or high blood pressure is becoming a common problem in India. Stress is a major contributor to it. Known as a silent killer, it can lead to serious health issues. With rising healthcare costs, health insurance for hypertension is becoming all the more important.
In this blog, we will look at what hypertension is and understand how it can affect your body. Eventually, we will discuss if it would be a wise choice to invest in health insurance for the same.
Understanding Hypertension
Hypertension is a medical condition in which the blood force against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. Hence it is also called high blood pressure.
A blood pressure measurement equal to or exceeding 130/80 mm Hg is considered high blood pressure. The ranges and categories for hypertension are as follows:
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89 mm Hg
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140/90 mm Hg or higher
- Hypertensive Crisis: Higher than 180/120 mm Hg; emergency medical attention is usually required in this case
Different Types of Hypertension
Hypertension that has been caused without any medical condition or disease is known as primary hypertension. Whereas when hypertension is caused because of certain medical conditions it is known as secondary hypertension. We will discuss the two types of hypertension below-
- Primary hypertension- Hypertension is a common health issue. There are no specific underlying causes concerning primary hypertension but several factors have been listed such as unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, genetics, not getting enough sleep, etc. There are no definite and visible symptoms of primary hypertension so regular checkups are required to monitor your health along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight.
- Secondary hypertension- Secondary hypertension is caused when you might be suffering from certain health conditions such as diabetes, kidney problems, pregnancy, obesity, hyperthyroidism, etc. Treating the above-mentioned health conditions can lower blood pressure. The symptoms of secondary hypertension include blurred vision, nose bleeding, headaches, etc, it is advised to seek medical care when suffering from secondary hypertension to keep the situation in control.
Consequences of Hypertension
- Hypertension causes arteriosclerosis – a condition where the blood vessel walls lose their elasticity and because of regular pressure, they tend to become weak and at times even are raptured. This is a serious condition and at times can be fatal.
- Hypertension is also linked to brain haemorrhage commonly known as stroke by ten times. It is believed that a little increase in blood pressure has the potential to trigger a stroke as blood vessels of the brain become weak with time and ultimately can them to rapture. This situation can further lead to the development of dementia in the case of affected people.
- High blood pressure or hypertension is said to damage the blood vessels in the kidneys affecting the supply of blood to the kidneys. It tends to affect the way kidneys function normally by affecting the way they regulate hormones, body fluids, and the amount of salt in your body thus resulting in kidney failure.
- Hypertension has been related to affecting pregnant women and their babies negatively. It can cause low birth weight of the baby and even affect the growth of the baby in the womb
Should You Buy Health Insurance for Hypertension?
The following points will help you understand the importance of investing in a health insurance plan:
- Medical inflation: Healthcare costs these days are very high and are only rising. If any medical emergency happens it becomes difficult to take care of the related medical expenses. Hence investing in health insurance like family health insurance is vital.
- Regular check-ups: Health insurance prompts individuals to undergo regular health checkups. This can lead to early detection of health issues like Hypertension.
- Access to specialists: A health insurance plan can ensure that you have access to the best doctors as your health plan can cover their exorbitant charges. Since elder people have greater chances of facing hypertension you should buy health insurance for parents or family health insurance so that they have access to such specialists.
- Waiting period: Health plans generally have a waiting period for health issues like hypertension. So if you buy health insurance early you will able to pass this waiting period before you face such health issues.
- Lower premium: If you purchase health insurance early in life you will have to pay a lower amount of premium as your chances of facing such health issues will be lower.
- Reduced stress: Knowing that you’re financially covered for hypertension-related expenses can reduce stress. Stress and anxiety exacerbate the condition.
- Emergency situations: In case of hypertension-related emergencies, health insurance ensures you can receive timely and life-saving medical care without worrying about the financial implications. You should especially buy health insurance for parents or family health insurance.
Ways to Reduce Hypertension
- Exercise regularly
- Loose extra weight
- Reduce salt intake
- Reduce stress
- Get a good night’s sleep
Conclusion
Hypertension has become a common medical issue and it does have serious health consequences. Hence, it is important to invest in health insurance plans to ensure financial security in any emergency-like situation. Also, hypertension can be managed by putting in some effort like exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, not eating a lot of salty food, and managing your stress levels. But nonetheless, investing in health plans like health insurance for parents and family health insurance is important.