High blood pressure – The silent threat we can't ignore
(BP), or hypertension, often dubbed the "silent killer," continues to pose serious health risks that many people underestimate or overlook. Despite being one of the most common cardiovascular conditions, its long-term effects, ranging from heart disease to kidney failure, often go unnoticed until they become severe. To shed light on these hidden dangers and promote greater awareness, three of India's leading cardiologists, Dr. Ashish Agarwal (Aakash Superspeciality Hospital, New Delhi), Dr. Madhusudhan Asawa (Poona Hospital and Research Centre, Pune), and Dr. Pushpraj Patel (Golden Heart Hospital, Jabalpur), recently came together to highlight the critical need for early diagnosis, consistent monitoring, and lifestyle interventions in managing high blood pressure effectively.
High blood pressure is defined by multiple elevated readings across separate clinic visits. It is not based on a single incidental recording. A sustained blood pressure of 120/90 mmHg or higher may still require medical attention, especially if risk factors are present. Once diagnosed, hypertension typically needs lifelong treatment and monitoring.
Hypertension progresses quietly — without obvious symptoms — while gradually damaging vital organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and eyes. It can go unnoticed for years until complications like stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure arise.
In India, nearly one in four adults
1
is affected by high blood pressure. However, over 60% remain undiagnosed, in both urban and rural settings
2
. Only one in five adults with hypertension has it under control
2
. Lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diet, stress, lack of exercise, alcohol consumption, and smoking significantly contribute to this growing burden.
'About 95% of hypertension cases are 'essential', meaning there's no specific cause,' says Dr. Ashish Agarwal. 'It's a disease of modern living — linked to stress, smoking, and an urban lifestyle — made worse by the reluctance to stay on lifelong medication.'
Dr. Madhusudhan Asawa adds, 'Awareness, routine screening, and early prevention are vital to protect your heart and overall
cardiovascular health
.'
Dr. Pushpraj Patel recommends, 'Everyone should get their BP checked regularly. If you're already diagnosed, monitor daily. Otherwise, screen every 3–6 months to stay ahead of risk.'
Taking hypertension head-on
To mark World Hypertension Day, USV Pvt Ltd carried out a nationwide effort to screen, detect, and act early. Screening camps were held across India to assess the BP and ECG status of patients and their caregivers, aiming to detect any cardiac abnormalities. Over 4,100 patients were screened.
The key findings were:
17.99% had an elevated heart rate of 86.87 bpm
15.19% had tachycardia (>100 bpm)
The initiative sparked greater awareness and inspired many to take their first step toward better heart health.
Watch the full discussion here:
Pressure Points: The Hidden Dangers of High BP
Lifestyle changes that can make a big difference
To prevent and manage high BP, serious lifestyle changes have to be made. Reducing salt and unhealthy fat intake, walking at least 30 minutes daily, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and managing stress with techniques like yoga or meditation. These measures not only reduce blood pressure but also improve overall wellness.
Medication adherence is another factor that can help manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure (BP) better. It is important to stay consistent with treatment as advised by a doctor.
High blood pressure is not a condition to be taken lightly. Its impact is broad, damaging, and often invisible, until it's too late. With early detection, consistent care, and a few lifestyle adjustments, hypertension can be managed effectively, helping people lead longer and healthier lives.
Don't wait for symptoms. Check your BP. Know your numbers. Take control early — and live healthier, longer.
References:
https://www.who.int/india/news-room/detail/02-06-2022-india-hypertension-control-initiative--a-high-impact-and-low-cost-solution
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391950321_Undiagnosed_hypertension_and_its_associated_factors_in_India_A_rural-urban_contrast_from_the_National_Family_Health_Survey_2019-21
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