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cptvm@keralapolice.gov.in
Important Telephone Numbers in Kerala
State Vanitha Cell (TVM) : 0471-2338100
Vanitha Police Station, Trivandrum : 0471-2321555
Women’s Cell, Kollam : 0474-2742376
Women’s Cell, Pathanamthitta : 0468-2222927
Women’s Cell, Kottayam : 0468-2222927
Women’s Cell, Kottayam : 0481-2302977
Women’s Cell, Idukki : 9745769386
Women’s Cell, Kochi : 0484-2396730
Women’s Cell, Thrissur : 9745-796230
Women’s Cell, Palakkad : 0491-2522340
Women’s Cell, Malappuram : 9745-769151
Women’s Cell, Kozhikode : 0495-2724070
Women’s Cell, Wayanad : 9745-769072
Women’s Cell, Kannur : 9745-769032
One in 4 adult women has high blood pressure (hypertension), although about a third of them don't know why. These statistics are concerning when you consider that high blood pressure is easy to diagnose and treat, and particularly alarming because hypertension is one of the most preventable causes of death.
Many people falsely assume that men are the most at risk for cardiovascular diseases, but more women than men had died of cardiovascular diseases every year since 1984. Untreated high blood pressure can cause kidney damage, and raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. The cause of 3 out of 5 cases of heart failure in women is high blood pressure.
Although some patients may experience headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision, most times no symptoms are present. You may be completely unaware that you have high blood pressure until something happens that requires medical attention. Women who experience a lack of sexual desire should have a blood pressure check, since some believe that high blood pressure can cause low libido in some women.
Regular blood pressure checks should be a part of everyone's routine health screening. Self-serve blood pressure monitoring equipment is available at many pharmacies, and most hospitals and clinics will perform blood pressure screening free upon request.
The good news about high blood pressure is that it is easily controllable. If your blood pressure is high, your physician will determine whether medication to lower your blood pressure is required. He may choose for you to make changes to your lifestyle before or during treatment with medication.
Lifestyle changes alone often effectively reduce blood pressure and may include
• Losing weight, if necessary
• Following a heart-healthy diet
• Engaging in regular physical activity -- 30 minutes of walking or other aerobic activity a day
• Restricting the amount of sodium in your diet -- no more than 4 to 6 grams per day
• Limiting alcoholic beverages
• Quitting smoking
Several types of medications are available to treat high blood pressure. Medical treatment is often used in conjunction with lifestyle therapies. Some of the most commonly used medications to treat high blood pressure include:
• Diuretics
• Beta-blockers
• ACE (angiotensin-coverting enzyme) inhibitors
• Calcium channel blockers
• Alpha-beta blockers
These drugs may be used alone or in combination, depending on what your physician determines is best for your situation. If your physician orders medication, it is important that you take the medication exactly as prescribed and don't stop without his order. Suddenly stopping blood pressure medication can cause your blood pressure to rise rapidly.
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it is vital that your follow your physician's recommendations to the letter. Following your doctor's orders will help lower your blood pressure and your risk of cardiovascular disease. Discuss any questions you have with your physician -- it's imperative that you understand your treatment plan and its potential benefit to your life and health.
----/womenshealth.about.com
