Is Hypertension Affecting Younger People More Than Before?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is no longer just a concern for the older population. Increasingly, younger Indians — even teenagers — are developing it. Hypertension occurs when the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. This happens when the heart pumps blood with more force than normal (due to stress, physical exertion, or hormonal changes) or when arteries narrow or stiffen (due to plaque build-up, ageing, or unhealthy lifestyle). Over time, this pressure can damage blood vessels and organs like the heart, kidneys and brain, leading to severe conditions like heart disease, kidney failure, and stroke, if left untreated.
Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. If it rises to 140/90 mmHg or more, based on an average of two or more readings taken on separate occasions, a diagnosis of hypertension is made. There is also a warning zone called prehypertension, which is an early indicator that lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments, regular exercise, and stress management, are crucial to prevent escalation to hypertension.
Rising Risk Across the Board
Traditionally, hypertension was seen mostly after the age of 40. But today, even students and young professionals are at risk. Recent data from Apollo Hospitals' Health of the Nation 2025 report (based on preventive health check data of 2.5 lakh individuals) shows that 9% of high school students and 19% of college students in India are already prehypertensive. Among adults, 21% of men and 8% of women below 40 years are hypertensive.
Apollo's health check data (since 2019) shows 25% of people are hypertensive and 50% are prehypertensive, making annual health checks crucial for proactive action.
Post-menopause, women experience a sharper rise in BP due to hormonal changes, particularly the decline in oestrogen levels. Oestrogen helps keep the arteries flexible and promotes better blood flow. While 15% had hypertension before menopause, 40% had it after menopause. Regular BP checks are therefore crucial for women at all stages of life. Among men, 31% in the 40-55 age group and 39% in those over 55 are hypertensive.
What's Causing the Shift?
Unhealthy Lifestyles: Lack of exercise, eating fast food high in salt and fat, smoking, and drinking alcohol are major contributors.
Lack of exercise, eating fast food high in salt and fat, smoking, and drinking alcohol are major contributors. Stress: Academic pressure, job stress, and financial worries are pushing BP up in the young.
Academic pressure, job stress, and financial worries are pushing BP up in the young. Obesity: Rising rates of overweight and obesity, even among children, increase the risk of hypertension.
Rising rates of overweight and obesity, even among children, increase the risk of hypertension. Poor Sleep: Irregular sleep patterns and screen time overload disturb the body's natural rhythm and raise BP.
Irregular sleep patterns and screen time overload disturb the body's natural rhythm and raise BP. Family History: Genetics plays a strong role — if hypertension runs in the family, young people are more likely to develop it.
The Way Forward
The good news is that hypertension can be caught early and managed well. Regular health checks help detect rising BP before it causes silent damage. Doctors may suggest lifestyle improvements — such as cutting down on salt, staying active, reducing stress, reducing alcohol intake and sleeping better — and in some cases, medication. With early action and awareness, it is possible to prevent the serious complications of hypertension and live a healthier, longer life.
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