JP Nadda,Union Health Minister
Hypertension, often termed the “silent killer,” is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. India alone has over 220 million individuals suffering from hypertension, with nearly one in three adults affected
New Delhi: Embracing a healthy lifestyle, eating balanced diet, and monitoring timely can help control high blood pressure, said Union Health Minister JP Nadda on World Hypertension Day on Saturday.
World Hypertension Day is observed every year on May 17 to raise awareness of hypertension and its serious medical complications.
Doctors say that with nearly 30 per cent of India’s adult population living with high blood pressure, hypertension has become one of the leading risk factors for heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and premature death.
They urge people to rethink ‘normal’ on this World Hypertension Day.
“On World Hypertension Day, we unite to raise awareness about the prevention and management of high blood pressure,” Nadda said in a post on social media platform X.
“By embracing a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and timely monitoring, we can control hypertension effectively,” he added.
This year’s theme is “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”.
It “reminds us that timely monitoring and proper management can save lives and improve overall well-being,” Nadda said.
Hypertension, often termed the “silent killer,” is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. India alone has over 220 million individuals suffering from hypertension, with nearly one in three adults affected.
Worryingly, many people don’t even know about it. This concerning trend is driven by sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, rising obesity, high alcohol consumption, and chronic stress.
Modifiable behavioural risk factors, including tobacco and alcohol consumption, excessive salt intake, sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary choices, and mental stress significantly contribute to the rising prevalence of hypertension.
The outcomes of uncontrolled hypertension are severe, significantly increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
To combat hypertension, the Health Ministry recently launched the National NCD Screening Drive. During the drive, health officials held “37.36 crore hypertension screening across India” and “4.51 crore are now on treatment for high blood pressure.
Meanwhile, a study, Health of the Nation 2025, conducted by the Apollo Hospitals in February found that despite its significant impact on public health, a large number of hypertensive people remain undiagnosed, underlining the urgency for a national shift in healthcare priorities.
The study also identified that approximately 300 million people have hypertension in India. The prevalence is notably high among younger populations, with 26 per cent of those aged under 45 diagnosed with high blood pressure in 2024.
But what is more concerning, said doctors, is that nearly half of those with high blood pressure remain unaware of their condition.
“Prevention and early intervention are not just options, they are imperatives. Alarmingly, nearly 30 per cent of India’s urban population under the age of 40 is already affected by hypertension or prehypertension.
This calls for immediate and collective action across healthcare, policy, and community awareness to protect the health of our fellow citizens,” said Dr Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals.
She noted that 80 per cent of heart attacks and strokes caused by hypertension could be prevented through simple lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, and stress management.
Dr Prathap C Reddy, Founder and Chairman of Apollo Hospitals insists that prevention is the first prescription and advocates routine screenings as a national priority.
He urged Indians to start screenings early, particularly after the age of 30 or for those with a family history of heart disease.
“Incorporating advanced imaging techniques like Coronary Calcium Scoring can help reveal hidden risks, while adopting preventive treatment strategies for those showing early markers, even if asymptomatic, can significantly reduce future complications,” he added.
“With rapid urbanisation, we are witnessing a sharp rise in sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and unrelenting stress, all of which are fueling this public health crisis,” said Preetha Reddy.