Alarming Surge: " Hypertension Cases Amongst Youth on the Rise in India"; Doctors cite Lack of Awareness and Genetics as the major factors  

Alarming Surge: " Hypertension Cases Amongst Youth on the Rise in India"; Doctors cite Lack of Awareness and Genetics as the major factors   

On World Hypertension Day, observed globally on May 17th, doctors at Fortis Escorts, Amritsar urge for consistent BP check-ups and monitoring,  

Amritsar, May 2024: Only about 12% of people with hypertension in India have their blood pressure under control, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Considering that hypertension (consistent high blood pressure), is a prominent contributor to cardiovascular diseases, and is on the rise among the younger population in the last decade, raising awareness for regular blood pressure check-ups is paramount. On World Hypertension Day, Dr Arun Kumar Chopra, Director of Cardiology at Fortis Escorts Amritsar, and Dr Deepak Kapila, Director of Cardiology, at Fortis Escorts Amritsar also drew attention to the fact that most people aren’t aware that environmental factors and lifestyle choices apart, genetics also plays a crucial role in determining the presence or potential of developing hypertension.  

Genetic hypertension, or hereditary hypertension, is the result of inheriting multiple genes that predispose someone to develop this disorder. It usually occurs after puberty, a reason why hypertension is seeing a rise among young adults - both male and female. Specifically, in Punjab, hypertension affects 40.1% of the population, with awareness and treatment rates at 48.3% and 30.9%, respectively, yet only 18.3% of cases are effectively managed. Low awareness about hypertension and lack of regular check-ups and BP monitoring, play crucial roles in increasing the burden of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, especially considering that measurement of blood pressure is a quick and painless process and can be managed at home. 

Dr Arun Kumar Chopra, Director of Cardiology at Fortis Escorts Amritsar, said, “Understanding that genetics and hypertension is linked is essential for efficient treatment. For those with a genetic tendency to high blood pressure, following prescribed medication regimens is crucial to preserving both general health and effective blood pressure control. While there are hereditary predispositions to hypertension, the best way to lessen its effects is to take a comprehensive approach focused on lifestyle changes. A balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and close observation are all necessary components of a comprehensive plan to reach and sustain appropriate blood pressure readings. Healthy lifestyle choices like frequent exercise, eating nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and integrating stress-relieving techniques like yoga and deep breathing all contribute to the treatment of hypertension.” 

 Dr Deepak Kapila, Director of Cardiology at Fortis Escorts Amritsar, said: “A family history of hypertension can cause elevated blood pressure, hypertension, and systolic hypertension in young adults who are otherwise healthy. Consistent blood pressure check-ups are the need of the hour, not just for detection but early intervention and treatment, not to mention that hypertension leads to cardiovascular diseases. Keeping aside hereditary factors, lifestyle choices such as high-salt diets, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and stress all lead to hypertension too. Most people go for full body checkups once a year or only consult doctors when a problem arises. On World Hypertension Day, we want to draw attention to the fact that early intervention can make treatment options easily available, and may not lead to CVD if diagnosed at an early stage.”