With continuously evolving lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, increasing anxiety levels, poor sleep, hypertension has now become increasingly common among rural and urban populations in the country.
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Approximately 63% of total deaths in India take place as a result of non-communicable disease, of which 27% are attributed to cardiovascular disease that impact 45% people in the 40 to 69 age group.
High salt consumption has become one of the leading contributors of hypertension in India.
High blood pressure or hypertension is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in India, accounting for nearly 16 lakh deaths every year, said AIIMS cardiologist Professor Ambuj Roy.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, has emerged as the one of most common health issues in India. Frequently called as the “silent killer”, hypertension generally develops without any visible symptoms but can potentially enhance the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and several other health problems. With continuously evolving lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, increasing anxiety levels, poor sleep, hypertension has now become increasingly common among rural and urban populations in the country.
According to a report featured in World Health Organisation (WHO), “Of the estimated 220 million people in India living with hypertension, only 12% have their blood pressure under control. Hypertension kills more adults than any other cause and is readily preventable and treatable.” 1
Approximately 63% of total deaths in India take place as a result of non-communicable disease, of which 27% are attributed to cardiovascular disease that impact 45% people in the 40 to 69 age group. Elevated blood pressure has emerged as one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Also, it remains inadequately controlled due to less awareness about hypertension, lack of adequate care through primary care, and poor follow up, added the WHO report.
High Salt Consumption: High salt consumption has become one of the leading contributors of hypertension in India. Several processed, packaged foods, snacks, pickles and restaurant foods contain excess amounts of sodium that can subsequently increase blood pressure levels over a period of time.
Inactive Lifestyle: Leading a sedentary lifestyle can be a big risk factor. Spending long hours at desk or bed, scrolling smartphones lying on the bed, and decreased outdoor activities can lead to weight gain and poor cardiovascular health in the longer run.
Anxiety: Modern lifestyle often involve stress pertaining to work, family responsibilities, education, and managing finances. Long-term chronic stress can impact blood vessel functioning and lead to elevated blood pressure.
Obesity: Being overweight can invite plenty of health-related issues as it is in itself a big issue. Being obese enhances the workload on heart and blood vessels. Increasing obesity rates in India have been closely associated with rising hypertension cases.
Unhealthy Diet: Excess and consistent consumption of fried foods, refined carbs, sugary beverages, and processed foods can also contribute to hypertension potentially along with other metabolic disorders.
Smoking & Alcohol Intake: Tobacco use and high intake of alcohol can harm and damage blood vessels and enhance the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.
Family History & Age: Genetics do play a vital role. People with a family history of hypertension may have an increased risk of developing such condition. The risk potentially rises with age.
Recently, in conversation with Akashvani News, Professor Ambuj Roy, Cardiologist at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi said, “Around 30 crore people in the country are living with hypertension, with prevalence rates of nearly 25% in rural areas and 33% in urban areas.” 2
“High blood pressure or hypertension is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in India, accounting for nearly 16 lakh deaths every year,” added Professor Ambuj Roy.
He emphasized on the strategy of screen treat and control so that we can put maximum number of people on blood pressure medicine. It will help in reducing this complication. It is well known that even one pill can reduce blood pressure, added Ambuj Roy.
For a large number of individuals, hypertension is a chronic condition that can be effectively managed rather than permanently cured. However, lifestyle changes can potentially reduce blood pressure and in some scenarios, bring down the requirement for medication under medical supervision.
Decrease Salt Consumption: Reducing consumption of added salt in meals and decreasing intake of processed foods can help you maintain healthier blood pressure levels.
Stay Physically Active: It is significant to lead an active lifestyle with regular workouts and exercises. Experts suggest spending a minimum of 150 minutes in workout every week. It may include walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, etc.
Consumption Of Balanced Diet: It will be beneficial to include a healthy diet containing fruits, veggies, whole grains, seeds, nut, and lean proteins. It can significantly support healthy blood pressure levels.
Maintain Healthy Weight: Even a modest weight loss can go a long way in impacting your blood pressure levels positively.
Manage Anxiety & Stress: It is crucial to manage stress and anxiety to maintain a healthy blood pressure level. Indulging in regular meditation, deep breathing exercises, sufficient sleep, and other body and mind relaxation techniques can significantly reduce stress-linked blood pressure.
Pay Heed To Medical Advice: Individuals diagnosed with hypertension should regular check their blood pressure and take prescribed medicines.
Hypertension is a growing health concern in India, driven by factors such as high salt intake, sedentary lifestyles, stress, obesity, and poor dietary habits. While it may not always be permanently cured, it can often be effectively managed through healthy lifestyle choices, regular monitoring, and appropriate medical care. Early detection and consistent management are key to reducing the risk of serious complications and maintaining long-term heart health.
FAQs
What are the main factors causing hypertension in India?
Hypertension in India is primarily caused by high salt consumption from processed and restaurant foods, inactive lifestyles, chronic anxiety and stress, obesity, unhealthy dietary habits, tobacco and alcohol use, as well as genetic predisposition and advancing age.
How does hypertension compare as a cause of mortality in India?
According to AIIMS Cardiologist Professor Ambuj Roy and WHO reports, hypertension is the leading cause of mortality in India, responsible for nearly 16 lakh deaths annually, surpassing other non-communicable diseases.
Can hypertension be cured or just managed?
Hypertension is generally a chronic condition that can be effectively managed but not permanently cured. Lifestyle changes, such as reduced salt intake and increased physical activity, can lower blood pressure and in some cases reduce medication dependency under medical guidance.
What lifestyle changes help in managing hypertension naturally?
Key lifestyle modifications include decreasing salt intake, engaging in at least 150 minutes of physical activity weekly, consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress through meditation or relaxation, and adhering to medical advice and medication.
How reliable is medication in controlling hypertension?
Medication is highly effective in controlling hypertension, with evidence suggesting that even a single pill can significantly reduce blood pressure and related complications. Regular monitoring and adherence to prescribed drugs are essential for long-term management.
WHO|Hypertension
Professor Ambuj Roy, Cardiologist at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) via X (formerly Twitter)|High blood pressure or hypertension is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in India
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