World Hypertension Day, which falls on Friday, May 17, aims to create awareness about the risks of hypertension or elevated blood pressure.
A study from the UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre (UNMICRC) on the Civil Hospital campus has revealed alarming results – every fourth patient of the 15,000 screened, was found to be hypertensive.
These figures are close to the result of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), which found that Gujarat had 20-21% prevalence of hypertension in the surveyed population. In India, over 220 million people are affected by hypertension.
Experts said most of those with the condition are unaware of it or do not take medicine to control it. This World Hypertension Day, the theme is: ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer’. Doctors are urging everyone, particularly young adults, to monitor their blood pressure to prevent stroke.
Major causes
A sedentary lifestyle, consumption of junk food, obesity, and excessive salt intake collectively lead to hypertension. Smoking and stress worsen the condition. Tobacco use, habit of eating out, erratic eating habits, and disturbed sleep cycles can also lead to hypertension.
The primary people surveyed by UNMICRC were aged between 30 and 60 years. The hypertensive patient’s immediate relatives were also surveyed. The prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension was found to be 30% among them, sources from UNMICRC said.
Incidentally, the centre conducted health check-ups on 2,600 police personnel earlier this year and found that 12% of them had hypertension and 20% had pre-hypertension conditions.
Younger patients
The Health of the Nation surveys in 2016 and 2023 found that prevalence of hypertension had increased from 19% to 23%. In urban settings, stress is a major factor. Youngsters make up a large chunk of hypertensives.
Hypertension is a multi-dimensional issue and has different causes in different age groups. The first course of action is dietary control and lifestyle modification, say medical experts. In fact, many doctors recommend DASH — dietary approaches to stop hypertension.
Just one elevated reading does not make one a candidate for medicines. Multiple tests are required to determine whether it is a chronic condition.
Hypertension is a preventable condition and should be taken seriously for a healthy life. It is called a ‘silent killer’ and holds a prominent position among non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
