Kolkata: Hypertension, often called a silent killer, affects one in every three adults and frequently presents no symptoms, doctors warned on World Hypertension Day on Sunday. There has been a notable increase in patients aged between 30 and 40 years suffering from hypertension, with a significant proportion experiencing cardiac issues, including fatal heart attacks.
Rising Incidence Among Younger Population
Over the past decade, the number of patients diagnosed with hypertension has dramatically increased, according to Anjan Siotia, Head of the Department of Cardiology at BM Birla Heart Hospital. "We are noticing a spike in younger patients suffering from hypertension due to lack of exercise, obesity, poor sleeping patterns, unhealthy diets, stress and increasing incidences of metabolic disorders. There are many myths regarding hypertension which lead to patients waiting to be treated," he added.
Stress, lack of exercise, obesity, and a diet lacking adequate fruits and vegetables are among the reasons why younger individuals are being affected, said Tapobrata De, Head of Cardiology at Charnock Hospital. "It can remain symptomless for years, silently affecting the heart, brain and kidneys. We are getting younger patients now probably due to increased stress. It has been causing sudden heart attacks, brain strokes and kidney diseases," said De.
Importance of Early Detection
"Early detection is the key to effective management. Reduce salt intake, stay active, manage stress and take medicines without fail. Small changes today can protect your heart," advised Samarth Acharya, a vascular surgeon at ILS Hospitals. "Hypertension usually does not show any symptoms, and therefore is often not detected until it leads to a major heart incident," said Siotia.
"We often come across patients who have been suffering from hypertension for years and their vital organs are affected by the time treatment is sought. However, with lifestyle modification and proper medical guidance, hypertension's complications can be prevented," said MS Purkait, Medical Superintendent at Techno India DAMA Hospital.
Common Myths About Hypertension
"People with hypertension, it is often believed, will experience headaches, dizziness or nervousness if they have high blood pressure. In reality, many patients may remain asymptomatic for many years until their blood vessels, brain, kidneys or heart sustain permanent damage. Another myth is that hypertensive patients are usually overweight or out of shape. Stress, family history, sleeping problems, smoking, drinking and other unhealthy traits can cause high blood pressure in younger individuals," explained Siotia.
