Silent hypertension: Why so many Indians don't know they have high blood pressure

Causes of hypertension: Excess salt, oily, processed food, no exercise, obesity, stress, inadequate sleep, and bad habits like smoking and drinking are some of the biggest causes of high blood pressure (Image: Pexels)

Hypertension is commonly known as the silent killer as it does not show symptoms but slowly impacts the heart, brain and kidneys. This makes it even more dangerous since most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick at all. While some diseases are outright painful, hypertension has a way of creeping in quietly, surfacing only when there is a stroke, heart attack or renal failure.

Symptoms of hypertension: Difficult to detect

Dr T. S. Kler, Chairman & HOD - BLK-Max Heart & Vascular Institute, Chairman Pan Max - Electrophysiology,   BLK - Max Super Specialty Hospital, says high blood pressure does not show any early signs unlike fever, cough or diabetic.

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“Hypertension is a silent killer and most people who suffer from this are living normal lives. They could be otherwise asymptomatic until the day they have a significant health complication. The absence of any observable symptom is one of the main reasons it is often disregarded,” he says.

Irregular blood pressure checks

Another important reason is that most Indians don't check their blood pressure regularly. Though simple, cost-effective, and quick, blood pressure measurement is often overlooked.

Causes of hypertension: Lifestyle factors

Hypertension is on the rise due to changing lifestyles. Excess salt, oily, processed food, sedentary life, obesity, stress, inadequate sleep and bad habits like smoking and drinking are some of the biggest causes of high blood pressure. The downside is that since there is no immediate discomfort, they don’t make early corrections.

Also read | Hypertension and habits: How lifestyle changes help lower blood pressure levels

Health risks of asymptomatic high blood pressure

If blood pressure stays high for longer without much control, organs and blood vessels may be damaged. This also causes the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and even vision loss. Early detection is critical in such cases.

How to prevent hypertension

Check regularly: Hypertension is both avoidable and controllable. People above the age of 30 should check their blood pressure every six months. Screening is simple and can be performed in clinics and community health camps, and also at home with user-friendly devices.

Stick to a healthy, balanced diet: Less salt, daily exercise, adequate sleep, stress control, and abstinence from alcohol and tobacco can prevent hypertension.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.