One out of every four adults in India is affected by high blood pressure (BP), but its onset remains hidden due to the absence of noticeable symptoms. This makes early detection challenging, often leading to complications. Medical experts have pointed out that BP, referred to as the silent killer, is increasingly affecting both young and elderly Indians.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension is estimated to affect at least 25% of the adult population in India, but only around 12% of these individuals have their BP levels adequately controlled. Shockingly, the ICMR-India Diabetes study conducted in June revealed that a staggering 315 million people in India are grappling with hypertension.
Elevated blood pressure prevalent in urban areas across India
The study, which surveyed 113,043 participants, found a high prevalence of elevated blood pressure in urban areas across the country. Dr. Sanjeev Gera, Director of Cardiology at Fortis Hospital Noida, noted that the term “silent killer” is apt because people are often unaware of the potential consequences of high BP or might not even realize that they have the condition.
The absence or mild nature of symptoms can lead individuals to overlook the importance of managing their blood pressure, which in turn can result in severe health complications. Uncontrolled hypertension significantly heightens the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes, contributing to approximately one-third of total deaths in India. Dr. Dixit Garg, an Interventional Cardiologist at Manipal Hospitals Gurugram, emphasized that high BP’s insidious progression damages arteries and organs, elevating the risk of heart diseases, strokes, and kidney issues.
Factors such as genetics, obesity, lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption, and stress all contribute to the development of hypertension. The prevalence of obesity has also risen, exacerbating the risk of high BP.
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Moreover, inadequate access to healthcare and a lack of awareness about managing blood pressure worsen the problem in certain regions. Tackling these issues through lifestyle adjustments, improved healthcare availability, and awareness initiatives is pivotal in combating hypertension in India. The country has set a target to achieve a 25% relative reduction in high blood pressure prevalence by 2025.
To reach this goal, the Indian government initiated the India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) in November 2017. This initiative is active in 138 districts across 23 states and offers treatment to over 3.4 million individuals with hypertension in government health facilities. Managing hypertension effectively necessitates a multifaceted approach, encompassing strategies like reducing salt intake, adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, managing stress, undergoing routine check-ups, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as advised by medical professionals.
