Kadapa: An average of 4.97 per cent of the population in the district suffers from high blood pressure, according to latest findings by the medical and health department, which conducted a survey on non-communicable diseases. The ongoing survey is under the joint auspices of health and Asha workers.

The causes have been identified as stressful running around to cope up with life, changing food habits, lack of proper sleep, decreased physical activity and increased obesity.

In addition, diabetes has become a social disorder. There has been an alarming rise in the number of people suffering from heart diseases. Doctors suggest that these could be addressed when one changes changes food habits and lifestyle.

The number of respondents to the survey till date has been 12,94,571 from an overall population of nearly 30 lakh. Of them, 64,398 were initially diagnosed with high blood pressure. Of those examined by doctors, 328 were diagnosed with high blood pressure and advised appropriate treatment. Similarly, 25,369 people were found to be at risk of hypertension. Of these, 6,139 are receiving medical treatment. 265 people had blood pressure that is beyond the prescribed standards. The number of people suffering from heart-related diseases due to high blood pressure is also increasing.

Medical experts say that high blood pressure is caused by being overweight, obesity, smoking, alcoholism, stress, lack of proper exercise and high salt intake. Anxiety and stress are exacerbating the problem. People with high blood pressure need to use prescription drugs regularly. Doctors say not to eat too much of stored food and pickles. It is recommended to take more leafy vegetables, vegetables and fresh fruits. It is also said that BP can be regulated by reducing excess weight.

Around 39,073 were suffering from diabetes. Nearly 149 patients were found to have a mild to moderate disease. Of the 25,601 diagnosed with diabetes, 3,313 underwent medical tests and 128 persons with high disease severity were referred for advanced treatment.

There have been many with various kinds of cancer, particularly oral, breast and cervical cancer.

Kadapa district medical and health officer Konuru Nagraju told Deccan Chronicle that there was a need to change one’s lifestyle habits. He said that hypertension and diabetes can be avoided by developing healthy food habits. He opined that in Rayalaseema, especially in Kadapa district, people consume more salt and spices and hence were prone to hypertension.

Total surveyed: 12,94,571

* Hypertension

– Confirmed hypertension (Survey data by ANMs):                   64,398

Confirmed HT treated by medical officers                                 30989

Confirmed HT referred by MO                                                    328

Risk group HT (ANM survey data)                                              25369

Risk group HT treated by MO                                                     6139

Risk group HT referred by MO                                                    265      

Diabetes

Confirmed diabetic surveyed by ANMs                                  39073

Confirmed diabetic treated by MO                                          16770

Confirmed diabetic referred by MO                                         149

Risk group diabetes (ANM survey data)                                  25601  

Risk group diabetic treated by MO                                           3313

Risk group diabetic referred by MO                                          128

Cancer

Cancer (oral, breast and cervical)

Confirmed Cancer (ANMs Survey data)                                  520

Confirmed cancer referred/ treated by MO                              201

Risk group cancer (ANM survey data)                                     3395     

Risk group cancer referred/ treated by MO                               47

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