Only 22.5 % hypertension patients have their BP under control: Study

As there are many patients who do not display any sign of high blood pressure till it shoots to 180, doctors from the city have advised caution as BP can lead to other major illnesses

A recent Lancet study stated that only 22.5% hypertension patients in India have their blood pressure under control. Doctors from city-based hospitals noted that a similar trend has been seen in patients in Pune as well. As there are many patients who do not display any sign of high blood pressure till it shoots to 180, doctors from the city have advised caution as BP can lead to other major illnesses.

The Lancet study findings state that less than one-fourth of hypertensive patients in India had their blood pressure under control. (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE)

The Lancet study, “Hypertension control rate in India: Systematic review and meta-analysis of population-level non-interventional studies, 2001–2022” was published on November 23. The findings state that less than one-fourth of hypertensive patients in India had their blood pressure under control.

Dr Chinmay Naik, consultant physician at Apollo Clinic, Pune said, “We have witnessed a 10 % rise in hypertension cases in the past few months in Pune. Risks of high blood pressure (BP) includes persistent headaches, visual problems such as blurring of vision, palpitations, nasal bleed or sudden unconsciousness/fainting. In the long term, it can lead to other complications like heart attack and intracranial bleeding. Thus, if any patients have experienced such symptoms, it is important to visit the doctor immediately and follow their advice. But quite often, a regular observation of BP needs to be done.”

Sharing more insights, Dr Dhananjay Zutshi, associate consultant, cardiology, Manipal Hospitals, Baner-Pune said, “People suffering from hypertension should take medication daily, but it has been seen that people tend to forget to take medicines. As uncontrolled blood pressure does not show any symptoms in the initial stage (between 150 to 160), people tend to ignore it. Only when the blood pressure reaches around 180, does it start showing symptoms. Another important reason for uncontrolled blood pressure is the amount of salt intake. It directly impacts blood pressure, and it is recommended that people who suffer from hypertension should limit and reduce salt intake. Apart from that, other reasons for uncontrolled blood pressure can be smoking, obesity, stress and improper sleep.”