Washington, Dec 20 (IANS) Chances of a heart attack or stroke are greater if blood pressure (BP) levels go up during the middle age, reveals a study.

PUTRAJAYA: It is now common knowledge that non-commu ni cable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension can put someone at higher risk of having major complications such as heart attack and stroke.

Blood pressure, known for decades as the “silent killer” is a well known risk factor for stroke. And along with the familiar other factors, such as smoking, lack of exercise and obesity, it contributes greatly to the risk of heart attack.

Hypertension, which is directly responsible for 57% of deaths due to stroke and 24% of fatalities caused by heart attack, has been found to be rampant in Indian women.

WMAQ-Channel 5 lead sports anchor Daryl Hawks, found dead in his hotel room while covering the Chicago Bulls during the NBA playoffs, probably died of a heart attack caused by hypertension, officials said.An autopsy performed in Atlanta after the 38-year-old anchor’s May 12 death had been inconclusive.But further toxicology tests and microscopic examination of tissues led investigators to ...