Hypertension Emerging as a Silent Killer Among Indian Youth: Experts

Hyderabad: Medical experts at Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar, have expressed concern over the alarming rise in hypertension cases among young people in India, warning that high blood pressure is increasingly affecting individuals in the 20–30 age group due to unhealthy lifestyles, stress, and lack of physical activity.

Marking World Hypertension Day, the hospital organised a special awareness programme under the theme “Controlling Hypertension Together”, where specialists highlighted the growing public health threat posed by hypertension and stressed the importance of early detection and preventive care.

According to doctors, hypertension, once considered a disease associated mainly with old age, has now become common among younger populations. Global estimates indicate that nearly 1.4 billion people are living with high blood pressure, but only one in four has the condition under control. In India alone, around 220 million people are estimated to suffer from hypertension, while only about 12 per cent manage to keep their blood pressure under adequate control.

Experts pointed out that recent studies show one in every ten individuals in the 18–25 age group is already affected by hypertension. Cases are rising particularly among urban youth due to work-related stress, sleep deprivation, unhealthy food habits, smoking, alcohol consumption, and sedentary lifestyles.

Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Head of Department at Kamineni Hospitals, Dr. A. Ravikanth, described hypertension as a “silent killer” because it often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages.

“Excessive screen time, junk food consumption, high salt intake, chronic stress, inadequate sleep, and lack of exercise are contributing to increased blood pressure levels even before the age of 30. This is also increasing the risk of heart attacks among younger individuals,” he said.

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He added that hypertension remains a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney-related complications, making regular blood pressure monitoring and healthy lifestyle practices extremely important.

Consultant Interventional Cardiologist Dr. G. Shiva Prasad said mental stress and anxiety were significantly impacting the health of today’s youth. He advised individuals with a family history of hypertension to remain particularly cautious.

“If detected early, hypertension can be effectively controlled through lifestyle modifications and proper treatment. Collective awareness involving families, doctors, and society is essential to tackle the growing burden of hypertension,” he said.

Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Shashidhar Madaka noted that many people remain unaware that they are suffering from high blood pressure until serious complications develop.

He recommended at least 30 to 45 minutes of daily physical activity, reduced salt intake, proper sleep, and stress management to lower the risk of hypertension.

Doctors concluded that adopting a healthy lifestyle remains the most effective defence against high blood pressure and related cardiac complications.