Hypertension doesn't knock, it sneaks in

By Dr Utkarsh Shah
Internal Medicine Specialist

Hypertension is one of the most common lifestyle diseases today yet it often goes unnoticed until serious damage has already occurred. It is rightly called the "silent killer", because most people with hypertension feel perfectly healthy while the disease quietly affects their heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels.

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What is hypertension?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of our arteries. A normal blood pressure should be below 120/80 mmHg. When it remains above 140/90 mmHg on repeated measurements, it is called hypertension. Even readings between 130–139/80–89 mmHg (known as pre-hypertension) increase the risk of heart disease and stroke over time.

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Why it matters

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), nearly one in four Indian adults has raised blood pressure, and the numbers are rising sharply in both cities and villages. The tragedy is that almost half of them don't even know they have it. Uncontrolled hypertension leads to:

• Heart attack and heart failure
• Stroke and paralysis
• Chronic kidney disease
• Vision loss
• Vascular dementia

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Know warning signs

Most people with hypertension have no symptoms at all, but sometimes it can cause:

• Headache or dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Chest discomfort or breathlessness
• Fatigue or irritability

Do not ignore these symptoms especially if you are above 35 years of age, overweight, or have a family history of hypertension or diabetes.

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Prevention & control

• Check your BP regularly, at least once a year after age 30
• Reduce salt intake and avoid pickles, papads, chips, and processed foods
• Exercise for 30 minutes at least five days a week
• Maintain a healthy body weight (BMI < 25)
• Eat fruits, vegetables and grains
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol
• Manage stress with yoga, meditation, or hobbies
• Take prescribed medicines regularly and never stop them on your own

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Published in Lokmat Times, Nagpur Main, Page No. 8, Nov 20, 2025