Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a rapidly growing serious health problem globally. The condition of high blood pressure is also considered to increase life-threatening problems like heart attack and stroke. The number of hypertension patients in India is increasing with time. The recent report of the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding this is worrying. According to this, by June 2023, more than 5.8 million (58 lakh) high blood pressure patients in 27 states were being treated under the Indian Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI). The number of patients is increasing with time, which is a major risk factor.

In this WHO report, concern has also been expressed regarding the availability of medicines. It is noteworthy that IHCI is working towards the government's target of reducing premature mortality due to non-communicable diseases by 25 percent. The initiative was launched in 2017 and involves the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Indian Council of Medical Research, state governments, and WHO-India.

Availability of medicines is a big concern
The 'Global Report on Hypertension' states that under IHCI, a standard treatment protocol for the prevention of high blood pressure has been developed in 27 states and union territories of the country. However, pointing out the challenges faced since the launch of the campaign, the report said that the availability of medicines has emerged as the biggest challenge, given the increase in the number of patients.

Not only this, there are a large number of people who are suffering from high blood pressure but this problem has not been diagnosed.

One-third of adults suffer from high blood pressure
The WHO report on hypertension estimates that approximately one-third of adults aged 30-79 years worldwide have high blood pressure. Of these, only 54 percent have been diagnosed with the condition, 42 percent are being treated and 21 percent have their high blood pressure under control. At least 4.6 million deaths could be prevented in India by 2040 if people suffering from high blood pressure take measures to control it.

Blood pressure silent killer disease
The report states that 188.3 million (18.83 crore) people in the country are living with high blood pressure, but only 37% of them are aware of their condition. An estimated 33% of the global population suffers from hypertension, but only 50-55% of them are diagnosed.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says, high blood pressure is a deadly problem, it is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Everyone needs to be alert about this silent killer disease.

Why is the problem of high blood pressure increasing, how to avoid it?
Health experts say disturbances in lifestyle diet and lack of physical inactivity can increase the risk of this disease, with time even people under 30 are becoming victims of high blood pressure. Being obese or overweight, and having a history of this disease in the family can also increase your risk. Excess salt (sodium) or lack of potassium in the diet also increases blood pressure.

To reduce its risks, eat a healthy diet and keep your weight under control. You can protect yourself by staying away from habits like smoking and alcohol.

(PC: Freepik)