According to the NFHS-5 survey data, 17.9% of Rajasthan men aged 15 and above were found to have elevated blood pressure in comparison to 14. 9 % of women having similar conditions in rural areas. However, in the urban area, the difference between the numbers was low, though the overall percentage was higher with 16.9% and 19.2% of women and men diagnosed with high BP respectively. 

Hypertension is the leading cause of diseases associated with the Heart, kidney and brain, with the surging cases becoming a major cause of concern for the health officials. Several experts have categorised hypertension into two categories i.e., primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Narrowing of renal arteries caused by some other underlying condition leads to elevated blood pressure in Secondary Hypertension. Also, several healthcare professionals have cited Covid 19 as a cause of hypertension.

Dr Rahul Sharma, a cardiologist, stated that the foremost reason behind the increasing cases of BP is increased awareness among people as earlier people didn’t get it checked. The other factors such as increased consumption of junk food, salt intake, and obesity are also directly linked to the cause. Meanwhile, people with diabetes have an indirect link with the risk of developing BP and related comorbidity.

Source: ET Healthworld