More than 1.28 billion people worldwide are living with high blood pressure, as per data by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Also, “Of the estimated 220 million people in India living with hypertension, only 12% have their blood pressure under control,” the data added.
Hypertension kills more adults than any other cause and is readily preventable and treatable.
Shakti C., a 65-year-old residing in Nagpur, first realised she had high blood pressure when she approached a doctor for something completely unrelated - a wound on her ankle. In the routine checkup at the clinic, it turned out that Shakti's BP was "unusually high," and it merited attention, the doctor said.
So, going through first-aid for her ankle injury, she was asked to sit for an in-depth consultation on why her BP had to be under control at all times. She was asked to reduce her salt intake to less than 5 grams per day and maintain her body weight as per requirement.
As per the latest WHO data, hypertension remains one of the leading risk factors for heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and premature death.
As per data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), 21.3% of females and 24% of males aged 15 years and above have elevated BP, up from 19% from the previous round (NFHS–4). However, as per doctors, many people continue to remain unaware of their unusually "high" or "low" blood pressure levels, as there aren’t clear symptoms before it causes damage.
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Risk factors for hypertension include high salt intake, stress, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, alongside environmental determinants such as air pollution. COVID-19, diabetes and heart disease are also high-risk factors, say doctors.
This highlights the urgent need for regular screening and lifestyle intervention. “Hypertension is often symptomless in its early stages, which is why it’s called the silent killer. However, if left unchecked, it can cause irreversible damage to organs and lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart attack, vision loss, and kidney failure. Awareness and timely management can truly save lives,” says Dr Murali Krishna CH V., senior neuro physician, CARE Hospitals, Malakpet.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the force of the blood against the artery walls remains consistently high, typically defined as blood pressure readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher. It is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and often goes unnoticed until it causes serious complications.
Readings between 140/90 and 159/99 mmHg mean Stage 1 hypertension, while 160/100 mmHg or more means Stage 2. If the reading goes over 180/110 mmHg, it's called a hypertensive urgency. Hypertension is classified into two types. Primary hypertension develops gradually over time and is often linked to age and lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress. Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, results from an underlying medical condition such as kidney disease, hormonal imbalances, certain medications, or sleep apnea.
Family physician Dr Ramesh Shah emphasises the importance of adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle "which has no place for smoking and alcohol consumption, and is very active and free of stress," in order to keep one's pressure levels at normal. The theme this year is, 'Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer!' On this World Hypertension Day, it is crucial that one gets regular screening done, irrespective of age.
Dr Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, said, “Hypertension is no longer a condition confined to age or genetics—it is increasingly becoming a silent epidemic among young urban populations. The real challenge lies not just in measuring blood pressure, but in understanding the broader cardiovascular risk profile of an individual.”
“We must move beyond isolated metrics and embrace a more holistic understanding of biomarkers, as even mild imbalances can be early indicators of more serious underlying conditions. Moreover, with rapid urbanisation, we are witnessing a sharp rise in sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and unrelenting stress, all of which are fuelling this public health crisis,” she added.
Prevention and early intervention are not just options, they are imperatives. “Alarmingly, nearly 30% of India’s urban population under the age of 40 is already affected by hypertension or pre-hypertension. This calls for immediate and collective action across healthcare, policy, and community awareness to protect the health of our fellow citizens,” she said.
