In India, many people unknowingly suffer from hypertension. The incidence of hypertension in Indian adults have increased in the last three decades in urban and rural areas.

In India, hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and a leading cause of death. Hypertension is a silent disease and doesn’t show any outward signs or symptoms but damages blood vessels and other organs.

A Global Burden of Diseases study has stated that hypertension has caused 1.63 million deaths in India since 2016. Dr Shiva Raju, consultant physician and diabetologist, KIMS Hospitals, Secunderabad, had said that, “Previously, hypertension was defined as BP (blood pressure) exceeding 140/85 mmHg, but now it is defined as 130/80 mmHg and above. This makes a large number of people fall into this category unknowingly.”

He further said added that it is a matter of concern that the younger generation is affected unknowingly. Some signs and symptoms of hypertension include dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue, and occasionally chest pain, palpitations and nosebleeds.

Dr Raju has advised a change in diet, mainly a reduction of salt intake to help avoid rise in blood pressure. Avoid fried and junk food and add more fruits in the diet, as they contain potassium which helps in reducing the blood pressure. Also, regular physical activity will burn the calories, reduce weight, increase heart capacity and reduce blood pressure.

Dr K. K. Aggarwal, president-elect Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania, also says that hypertension is not a disease but a sign that something is wrong in the body. He further stated that the incidence of hypertension in Indian adults have shown a drastic increase in the past three decades in urban as well as rural areas. It is essential to get an annual check-up done after the age of 30 even if you have no family history of hypertension, diabetes or don’t have any other lifestyle-related disorder.

Almost 50 % of the Indian population under 40 years of age, in comparison to western nations, are suffering from hypertension at a younger age. The first heart attacks and strokes, almost occur a decade earlier.

Dr A. Sai Ravi Shanker, Sr. Consultant Cardiologist also said that, social determinants of hypertension are important and Indian states with greater urbanization, human development and social development have increase in hypertension. There is poor association of hypertension incidence with healthcare availability though there is positive association with healthcare access and quality. The health system in India should focus on proper hypertension screening and control to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Also, promote healthy lifestyles early to avoid the crisis which is increasing in India.

The Great India BP Survey stated that 19 % of the respondents suffer from hypertension and 49 % of the respondents had uncontrolled blood pressure.