New Delhi: India is staring down a growing public health crisis: hypertension. Often labelled the “silent killer,” this chronic condition affects more than one in four Indian adults.
Even more concerning is that over 90 per cent of these individuals are either unaware of their condition, untreated, or inadequately managed.
Only a third of those diagnosed have any real understanding of the risks they face. While traditionally seen in older adults, hypertension is now increasingly being diagnosed in younger, working populations—a shift experts attribute to changing lifestyles marked by poor diet, chronic stress, sedentary routines, and digital fatigue.
Warning that hypertension often develops without symptoms but can manifest subtly through persistent headaches, dizziness, fatigue, chest discomfort, or blurred vision, Dr. Bharat Kukreti, Director and Unit Head of Cardiology – Interventional at Paras Health, Gurugram, also points to obesity, high salt intake, stress, smoking, and alcohol as key contributors—particularly among younger people.
“The long-term consequences are serious—ranging from heart attacks and strokes to kidney damage, vision loss, and cognitive decline. Yet, these outcomes are preventable through consistent monitoring, dietary changes, physical activity, and adherence to medical treatment,” Dr. Kukreti said.
Highlighting the role of nutrition in managing blood pressure, Dr. Amit Bhushan Sharma, Director and Unit Head of Cardiology at Paras Health, notes that diets rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, and antioxidants—found in foods like leafy greens, fruits, seeds, and whole grains—support vascular health.
He emphasizes that movement in any form—from yoga to cycling—improves circulation and reduces vascular stiffness. Mental stress, another critical trigger, must also be addressed through practices such as deep breathing, journaling, or digital detox routines.
He cautions that while hypertension may remain silent for years, it demands daily, intentional choices to prevent long-term harm.
Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Founder and Chief Radiologist at Mahajan Imaging & Labs, notes that hypertension is often overlooked in its critical early phase—prehypertension—a state that usually goes unnoticed until full-blown hypertension sets in.
“With the majority of Indians unaware of their blood pressure status, early diagnosis becomes crucial. Regular and accurate blood pressure monitoring is the first step, but it must be followed by actionable changes in diet, exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress control.
With the diagnostic advancements available today, early detection and personalized preventive care can drastically reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases in the country,” Dr. Mahajan states.
The growing prevalence of hypertension is more than a medical concern—it is a national wake-up call. Without an urgent focus on awareness, diagnosis, and sustained prevention, the condition threatens to impact India’s health and productivity for generations, he adds.
