Hyderabad: Senior health experts on Monday warned that Hyderabad adults high BP cases were rising sharply, with nearly one in three adults in the city living with hypertension.
Doctors issued the warning during World Hypertension Week from May 18 to May 25. The campaign carries the theme “Controlling Hypertension Together: Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly and Defeat the Silent Killer”.
Medical experts stressed the need for regular screening, healthier lifestyles and early medical intervention. They said more than half of hypertensive individuals remained unaware of their condition because symptoms rarely appeared during the early stages.
Dr CH Vasanth Kumar said the Indian Society of Hypertension was working to reduce cardiovascular diseases through awareness, research and standardised treatment guidelines. Moreover, he stressed that early screening remained crucial because hypertension often went undetected until serious damage occurred.
Hyderabad adults high BP linked to lifestyle stress
Dr Lily Rodrigues said health authorities were strengthening community screening programmes and improving access to preventive healthcare across Telangana.
Meanwhile, Dr Udai Lal identified work stress, unhealthy food habits and physical inactivity as major causes behind uncontrolled blood pressure levels among urban residents.
Dr Mohammed Riyaz expressed concern over rising stress levels among youngsters. He said doctors increasingly detected heart-related complications at younger ages.
Addressing women’s health, Dr L. Sesha Sailaja said women faced a higher risk of hypertension after menopause because of hormonal and physiological changes. Therefore, she stressed the need for regular monitoring.
Dr Srirang Abkari highlighted the importance of digital BP monitoring and home-based checks for early detection and effective management.
Doctors said hypertension generally develops when blood pressure consistently records 140/90 mmHg or higher. However, they warned that readings above 120/80 mmHg should also prompt lifestyle changes.
They cautioned that untreated hypertension could lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, vision loss and heart failure.
Calling hypertension a “silent killer,” doctors urged adults to undergo blood pressure screening at least once every year, especially those with obesity, diabetes, stress and sedentary lifestyles.