Every year, World Hypertension Day is observed on May 17 to raise awareness about the condition that is also widely called ‘the silent killer’ globally. This year, the theme is ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!’. While hypertension may seem like a complication, it simply means high blood pressure, which occurs when the force of the blood is continuously higher in the arteries.
So, what are the causes of hypertension? Dr Swarup Swaraj Pal, senior consultant, Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgeon, Gleneagles Hospitals in Parel, explains, “Unhealthy lifestyle habits like high salt intake, lack of exercise, obesity, stress, smoking, kidney disease, or genetic factors can cause a surge in cases of hypertension among the Indian population. Hypertension is referred to as the ‘silent killer’, and a large number of people don’t feel symptoms, but some may experience headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision.” Interestingly, even though hypertension can affect people of all ages, its effect on the working population between 30 – 50 years, needs to be highlighted according to city doctors.
Keeping this in mind, mid-day spoke to Dr Pal and Dr Amit Saraf, director, Department of Internal Medicine at Jupiter Hospitals in Thane, to understand the challenges of hypertension, especially among adults in their 30s. They not only highlight the causes and effects but also how to take care of yourself.
What are the primary causes and clinical symptoms of hypertension?
Saraf:
Causes: The development of hypertension is influenced by modifiable risk factors such as high sodium intake, physical inactivity, excessive weight, mental stress, smoking, and alcohol use, as well as non-modifiable factors like age, genetics, and existing comorbidities.
Symptoms: Often called the “silent killer,” hypertension typically presents without symptoms. In advanced stages, patients may report headaches, breathlessness, fatigue, chest tightness, or vision issues.
What are the consequences of uncontrolled hypertension in the short and long term?
Saraf: Short-term impact includes reduced concentration, mood alterations, and temporary cardiovascular stress.
Long-term complications are serious, including ischemic heart disease, stroke, heart failure, chronic renal impairment, and vascular dementia.
Pal: The other short-term effects include headaches, anxiety, or nosebleeds in some cases can be seen due to hypertension. If uncontrolled, beyond heart attack and stroke, it can lead kidney damage, and vision loss. Heart attacks and strokes are causing higher morbidity and mortality rates across the country. Hence, controlling hypertension is key.
How is hypertension distributed across different age groups?
Saraf: The incidence increases with age, but current trends indicate rising prevalence among younger adults due to changing lifestyles. Children and adolescents are also at risk, particularly those with obesity or metabolic disorders. Older adults are more susceptible to end-organ damage.
Pal: In young people, hypertension often goes unnoticed but can lead to early heart problems like heart attacks if untreated. In older adults, it increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.
How at risk is the working population above 30? Are there gender-specific considerations?
Saraf: The demographic of adults aged 30–50 is significantly at risk, especially in urban and high-pressure professional environments.
Data from the ICMR and WHO suggests that nearly 35–40% of working individuals in this age group exhibit elevated blood pressure levels.
Gender insights: Males show higher prevalence in early adulthood, while females exhibit increased risk post-menopause due to hormonal shifts. Awareness and access to care remain key differentiators across genders.
Pal: People above 30, especially those in high-stress jobs and sedentary lifestyles, are the risk of suffering from hypertension. Studies show men are more affected before age 50, while women’s risk increases after menopause; about 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women have hypertension.
Should professionals over 30 prioritise hypertension screening and control?
Saraf: Yes. Preventive screening is vital, especially for those with sedentary jobs, high stress, or a family history of hypertension. Early detection helps reduce long-term health risks. Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) plays a key role in accurate diagnosis- it records blood pressure over 24 hours during daily activities and helps identify masked or white-coat hypertension that routine checks may miss.
Pal: Yes, the working population above 30 must eat a well-balanced diet, exercise, and stay stress-free by doing yoga and meditation to prevent and control hypertension.
What constitutes an effective treatment plan for hypertension?
Saraf: Treatment strategies include:
1. Non-pharmacological interventions: diet modification, regular exercise, stress management
2. Pharmacological therapy: individualized medication regimens
3. Continuous monitoring and lifestyle adjustments based on clinical follow-up
Pal: One will be given medication to control hypertension. Apart from this, it will be imperative to eat a balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts and seeds. Avoid processed, junk and canned food.
Can dietary intervention play a role in managing hypertension?
Saraf: Yes, dietary intervention can absolutely play a role in managing hypertension.
Encouraged intake: High-fiber vegetables, fruits, low-sodium grains, legumes, and unsaturated fats. DASH diet components and foods rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium
Restricted intake: High-sodium processed foods, saturated fats, red meat, sugary beverages, and excessive caffeine
Pal: It is important to avoid foods high in sodium. So, stay away from Pizza, chips, pasta, noodles, burger, namkeens and bakery items high in sodium. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, lentils. It is also advisable to take advise from the dietitian regarding what to eat and avoid.
How can professionals with demanding schedules ensure dietary compliance?
Saraf: They can start with the following steps:
1. Structured meal planning with healthy batch cooking
2. Integration of whole, minimally processed foods into workplace meals
3. Using digital tools to track nutrient intake and sodium levels
4. Creating routine reminders to maintain regular eating patterns
Pal: Even with busy schedules, the working population can manage hypertension by opting for fruits, nuts, and low-sodium snacks. Choosing whole foods, avoiding processed items, and staying hydrated by drinking at least 2-3 litres of water per day can be helpful for those with hypertension.
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