Alarming Rise of Hypertension in Uttar Pradesh

• 06 Jan 2025

Why in News?  

Recent data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-6 reveals a worrying trend in Uttar Pradesh, where one in every four individuals is at risk of hypertension.  

• This health condition, often referred to as the "silent killer," poses a significant threat due to its potential to cause severe complications such as strokes and heart attacks. 

 Key Points 

• The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has observed that among patients seeking treatment, approximately 25% are at risk of hypertension.  
• Alarmingly, many of these individuals are unaware of their condition, increasing their vulnerability to severe health complications such as brain strokes and heart attacks.  
• In response, AIIMS has initiated comprehensive data collection on patients and their caregivers to facilitate early detection and management of hypertension. 
• The distinction between general blood pressure fluctuations and hypertension.  
  • While a normal blood pressure reading for young adults is typically around 120/80 mm Hg, readings of 140/90 mm Hg or higher are indicative of hypertension.  
• Regular monitoring is crucial, as even slight increases can lead to significant health issues. 
• To combat this growing health concern, AIIMS is collaborating with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).  
• This partnership aims to gather comprehensive data on patients and their families, focusing on the prevalence of blood pressure issues, hypertension, and diabetes.  
  • The goal is to identify patterns and risk factors, enabling targeted interventions to prevent and manage hypertension effectively. 
• The NFHS report serves as a critical reminder of the escalating risk of hypertension in Uttar Pradesh.  
  • It underscores the necessity for increased awareness, regular health screenings, and prompt medical attention to mitigate the adverse effects associated with this condition. 

 Hypertension 

• About:  
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure) is when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg or higher). It is common but can be serious if not treated. 
  • Blood pressure is written as two numbers: 
    • The first (systolic) number represents the pressure in blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats. 
    • The second (diastolic) number represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart rests between beats. 
  • World Hypertension Day is celebrated on 17th May every year to promote awareness about hypertension and encourage people to prevent and control this silent killer. 
• India's Hypertension Burden 
  • India alone has an estimated 188.3 million adults aged 30–79 years grappling with hypertension. 
  • The prevalence of high blood pressure in India is slightly lower than the global average of 31%. 
  • To reach a 50% control rate, India needs to ensure that an additional 67 million people with hypertension receive effective treatment. 
    • If the progress scenario were achieved, 4.6 million deaths due to high blood pressure would be averted by 2040.