Alarming rise in hypertension among city youth, say doctors

Time of India

16-05-2025

Patna:
Hypertension
, once considered a condition predominantly affecting older adults, is now becoming increasingly common among younger people. On the eve of World Hypertension Day, observed on May 17, medical experts in the city highlighted a surge in hypertension cases among youth, attributing it to poor lifestyle choices, unhealthy diets, stress and lack of physical activity.
Speaking at an awareness programme held on Friday evening, senior physician Dr Diwakar Tejaswi described hypertension as a "
silent killer
" and recommended that people should get their blood pressure checked every six months after the age of 30. "It damages the body gradually without any obvious symptoms, and by the time it is detected, significant harm may already have occurred to the heart, kidneys, brain or eyes," he said. Common symptoms such as headaches, fatigue or dizziness are often ignored, he warned, despite being early indicators.
Dr Sanjeev Kumar, head of cardiac surgery at AIIMS-Patna, said while hypertension usually affects those aged 40 to 60, doctors are now seeing more cases in their 20s and 30s. "This is due to stress, increasing competition in society and pressure related to studies and employment," he said. "Change your lifestyle and diet. Avoid fried and cholesterol-rich foods, limit salt intake and exercise regularly," Dr Kumar added.
Dr Sheil Avneesh, professor and head of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery at IGIMS, said the "four S factors" were primary responsible for rising hypertension among youth – stress, sedentary lifestyle, sugar and sleep deprivation. "The allure of glamour is leading today's youth towards junk food and high sodium diets. This acquired hypertension is largely preventable through
lifestyle modifications
," he said. He recommended 45 minutes of brisk walking daily, appropriate to age, as a sufficient exercise regimen.
Dr Avneesh also warned of the consequences of untreated hypertension, including chronic kidney disease, heart attacks, strokes and brain haemorrhages. "It is generally more prevalent in men, but obese women and tobacco users are also at elevated risk. For people in their 30s, a systolic BP of 140 mmHg is considered the threshold for hypertension," he added.