Politicians are prone to stress induced hypertension amid elections: Dr Purohit

Nagpur/New Delhi: Executive Member of the Indian Society of Hypertension Dr Naresh Purohit said that politicians are prone to stress induced hypertension amid elections .
The rising political heat of the election season may cause people’s blood to boil in a figurative sense , but it could literally be dangerous for hypertensive patients.

Voicing his concern on this issue at a webinar organised by the Nagpur based All India Institute of Medical Sciences, noted Epidemiologist Dr Purohit told media persons here on the occasion of World Hypertension Day that politics is a stressful profession . Long working hours, travel and uncertainty about meals leads to high stress levels . Stress caused by election anxiety can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression. Mental health researchers have
found a connection between politics related stress and hypertension. Several scientific studies and anecdotal evidence across the globe suggest the political stress caused by national and state elections may cause hypertension which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Citing a recent study in the webinar, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, renowned physician averred that the 2016 U.S. presidential election was associated with an increase in heart attacks and stroke.

Advisor – National Mental Health Programme – Dr Purohit, averred that the election news can make people emotionally upset, angry or even enraged.
Reacting to this epinephrine and cortisol hormone are released from adrenal glands and can cause a spike in blood pressure.
“Sustained, elevated blood pressure poses a risk for heart attack and stroke.“he added

“Stress affects decision-making, and that, in turn, affects not just the politicians, but those they serve. The mental health of a lawmaker is as important as a pilot’s or a surgeon’s; democracies depend on it.” he stated

He pointed that chronic stress in politicians caused by election anxiety and excitement can lead to sleep disorders and suppress the immune system, leaving one more vulnerable to infections and illnesses.

He urged to be calm and practise stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and exercise so as to help one cope with election anxiety and excitement.

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*Dr. Naresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist, Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state organizations.)

Dr.  Purohit is also Principal Investigator for the Association of Studies For Kidney Care.