Hypertension: The Silent Killer We Can No Longer Ignore
By Vishal Phanse, CEO, Piramal Swasthya
Hypertension has a profound impact on the human body, often acting as a precursor to other severe health conditions — and in many cases, leading to fatal outcomes. Alarmingly, 24% of all acute heart attacks, 16% of ischemic heart disease, 21% of peripheral arterial diseases, and 29% of strokes can be attributed directly to hypertension.
India is currently witnessing a sharp surge in both the incidence of hypertension and related fatalities. It is estimated that more than one-third of the population may soon be affected by this potentially lethal condition. This year’s World Hypertension Day emphasizes the theme “Know Your Number”, encouraging individuals to routinely check their blood pressure and raise awareness about this growing health crisis.
The Danger of Unawareness
Hypertension is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it typically manifests with no obvious symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they tend to be mild — such as headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, flushed skin, and occasionally nosebleeds — and are easily overlooked or ignored.
According to a recent study published in PLOS Medicine, despite the rising prevalence of hypertension, diagnosis and treatment remain critically low. Over 50% of individuals suffering from hypertension are unaware they even have the condition. In India, hypertension accounts for 10.8% of all deaths and 4.6% of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) — a staggering statistic that highlights the urgent need for increased public awareness.
Understanding the Causes
Approximately 90–95% of hypertension cases are categorized as primary hypertension, where no single cause can be pinpointed. Instead, a combination of behavioral and genetic factors contributes to elevated blood pressure. Key risk factors include:
High sodium intake
Tobacco use
Smoking
Obstructive sleep apnea
The rapid lifestyle changes seen in recent years have only exacerbated these risk factors, increasing the likelihood of developing hypertension — often without the individual noticing until it’s too late.
A Threat to the Young
More concerning is the growing trend of hypertension among younger populations. Research presented at the 70th Annual Conference of the Cardiological Society of India (CSI) found that 1 in 5 young adults in India has high blood pressure. Due to the absence of visible symptoms, there is often no routine screening, allowing the condition to go undetected and increasing its potential danger.
The Way Forward: Awareness and Action
All meaningful change begins with awareness — and this holds especially true for hypertension. It is essential for adults, particularly those with high-stress lifestyles or a family history of hypertension, to be vigilant and regularly monitor their blood pressure.
Understanding and acknowledging this condition can empower individuals to:
Take preventive actions
Implement lifestyle modifications
Seek early medical intervention
By doing so, it is possible not only to reduce the adverse effects of hypertension but also to reverse its impact and lead a healthier life.
For holistic well-being, knowing the key health indicators is vital. That’s why this year’s message — “Know Your Number” — is more relevant than ever.
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