Lifestyle Diseases

Hypertension

High blood pressure is medically termed as 'hypertension.' The prefix 'hyper' means excessive or above normal, while 'tension' refers to the pressure of blood against artery walls. Hypotension is the opposite condition (low blood pressure). Diabetes is a different lifestyle disease related to blood sugar, and arteriosclerosis refers to hardening of arteries. Hypertension is often called a 'silent killer' because it usually doesn't cause obvious symptoms but can lead to serious complications like heart attack and stroke if left untreated.

80-120 mg/dl

The normal blood glucose level ranges between 80-120 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter) of blood. This range ensures that body cells receive adequate glucose for energy while preventing the harmful effects of too much glucose in the bloodstream. Levels below 80 mg/dl may indicate hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), while levels consistently above 120 mg/dl may suggest diabetes or pre-diabetes. Maintaining blood glucose within this normal range is essential for proper body function and preventing diabetes-related complications.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in people under the age of 30, though it can happen at any age. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas completely stops producing insulin, so glucose cannot enter muscle and other body cells. This results in rapid buildup of glucose in the bloodstream. Type 1 accounts for about 10-15% of all diabetes cases and requires insulin injections for treatment. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, typically occurs in people over 30 and is more common in overweight individuals with family history of diabetes.

Cardiovascular Disease

CVD stands for Cardiovascular Disease, which is a group of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels. The cardiovascular system includes the heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular), hence the name. CVD includes conditions like hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and stroke. These diseases affect the pumping ability of the heart, cause valve problems, or result in narrowing and hardening of arteries. CVD is a major health concern worldwide and is often preventable through lifestyle modifications like regular exercise, healthy diet, and avoiding smoking.