Hypertension, or high blood pressure, has become one of the most common lifestyle-related health conditions in India, with doctors warning that the disease is increasingly affecting younger adults as well.
Health experts say uncontrolled blood pressure significantly raises the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other serious complications. What makes the condition more dangerous is that many people remain unaware they have it, earning hypertension the label of a “silent killer”.
According to estimates, more than 20 crore people in India suffer from hypertension. To spread awareness about the condition and encourage regular monitoring, World Hypertension Day is observed every year on May 17.
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Doctors say most people suffer from primary or essential hypertension, which develops gradually due to unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, stress, obesity or genetic factors.
In some cases, however, blood pressure rises because of underlying medical conditions, a condition known as secondary hypertension.
Doctors warn lifestyle habits are increasing hypertension risk
Dr. Shubhanan Ray, Head of the Cardiology Department at Fortis Hospital, said hereditary factors play a role in hypertension, but unhealthy lifestyle habits often worsen the risk. “Obesity, smoking, unhealthy eating habits and mental stress are major contributors to hypertension,” he said.
Dr. Ray added that cases of high blood pressure are now rising steadily among people in their 30s and 40s. Medical Superintendent of Dama Hospital, M S Purkait, shared several measures that can help keep blood pressure under control:
Maintain healthy body weight according to Body Mass Index (BMI)
Reduce salt intake and avoid excessive unhealthy fats
Include potassium-rich foods in the diet
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Exercise regularly through walking, cycling, swimming or yoga for at least 20–30 minutes daily
Quit smoking and reduce tea, coffee and alcohol consumption
Get 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep and manage stress levels
Start regular blood pressure check-ups after the age of 30, especially for people with lifestyle diseases
Doctors stressed that early diagnosis, lifestyle management and timely treatment can significantly reduce the risks linked to hypertension.
